The Spatial-Temporal Distribution of the Coupling between Urbanization and Farmland Resources in the Mainland of China

Xiang Gao

doi:10.11648/j.jenr.20160505.12

Abstract

An evaluation index system was constructed for the coupling between urbanization and farmland resources, based on data from 31 provinces in the mainland of China. Using the Grey Relational Analysis method, the spatial-temporal variations of the coupling between them can be revealed. The conclusions of this study were: (1) the stress of urbanization on farmland resources is dominated by economic urbanization, while this kind of constraint also produces the strongest influence on the status (endowment) of the arable resources; (2) viewed over time, the coupling degree in Chinese provinces between urbanization and farmland resources shows volatility and internal differences: East > West > Central regions, and the causes for these differences are also discussed; (3) The interaction between them is spatially strong, and the coupling degree is relatively close and high, showing the coexisting features of complexity and specificity. Combining the coupling with the urban level the 31 provinces can be categorized into four types: Low-level Coupled Mode, Antagonism Mode, Transition Mode and Coordination Mode.

Highlights

Urbanization is the inevitable result of modernization, especially for the developing countries
Research on the relationship between urbanization and farmland resources has become a major focus for geographers and land-use planners, and achieving a balance between these two land uses is essential to continued sustainable development
The coupling details between the two elements in terms of the main stressing factors of urbanization on the farmland resources (Table 2) and the main restraining factors of the farmland resources with urbanization (Table 3) can be made clear based on Equation (3)

Summary

Introduction

Urbanization is the inevitable result of modernization, especially for the developing countries. The 2012 Blue Book of Chinese Society, published by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, stated that in 2011, for the first time in thousands of years, China’s urban population surpassed 50% of the total population. This milestone in China’s development history indicates that China has entered into a new growth phase focused on urban society. Research on the relationship between urbanization and farmland resources has become a major focus for geographers and land-use planners, and achieving a balance between these two land uses is essential to continued sustainable development

Methods

Results

Conclusion