Northern Regions Of China Research Articles

Assessing the influences of natural and human factors upon desertification vulnerability in northern China during 1985–2010

As desertification is a major ecological and environmental problem affecting global sustainable development, it is imperative to assess the vulnerability of desertified land systems in order to formulate desertification control policies and improve livelihoods in arid lands. Using the vulnerability scoping diagram (VSD) and Geodetector method, we explored trends in desertification vulnerability by considering the exposure, sensitivity, and adaptability of the sandy region of northern China from 1985 to 2010, and identified the influencing mechanisms in terms of natural and human factors. According to the results, desertification vulnerability was higher in the central and western regions and lower in the eastern regions, and decreased significantly in most areas from 1985 to 2010. This could mainly be attributed to their reduced sensitivity, while the contributions of exposure and adaptability were relatively small in comparison to sensitivity. The spatial and temporal variations in the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) were the primary drivers of significant changes in desertification vulnerability in most areas, while the Net Primary Productivity (NPP), percentage of unused land, and grazing density were deemed secondary principal factors. Interactions between factors can reinforce the explanatory power of individual factors for changes in vulnerability, especially for wind erosion and GDP. The findings of this study could inspire governors to implement integrated measures to mitigate vulnerability and control desertification, including the restoration of vegetation on degraded land and enhancing the adaptability of the sandy region from both economical and ecological perspectives.

Multi-objective optimization for the daylighting and thermal comfort performance of elevated subway station buildings in cold climate zone of China

The rapid development of urban rail transit brings about the rapid growth of elevated subway station buildings, while the demand for comfortable waiting environments on the passenger platforms is also increasing. Due to the fact that elevated stations generally have a transparent envelope, there is a contradiction between daylighting, heating, and air conditioning. Therefore, multi-objective optimization design is essential. This article selects the cold regions of northern China as the research object. A field investigation was carried out, and Tianjin University Town Station was found to be a typical station in cold climate zone of China. A prototypical model was built based on it using Grasshopper in Rhino. Sensitivity analysis was used to screen key independent variables, and strength Pareto evolutionary algorithm II was used to optimize the daylighting and thermal comfort performance for the elevated subway station buildings. Two optimization processes, step-by-step and one-step, were used to obtain the non-dominated solution set, and the optimal solution was obtained by technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution analysis. The suggested values for the design variables of the prototypical model are also displayed. Reducing the skylight's window-to-wall ratio helps improve daylighting and thermal comfort. Besides, the one-step optimization method has higher efficiency and can obtain better results. The findings proposed here can guide the development of elevated subway station buildings in north China and other areas with similar conditions.

Local government debt pressure and corporate ESG performance: Empirical evidence from China

This paper is the first to incorporate local government debt pressure, government behaviors and corporate ESG performance into analytical framework. Using the comprehensive data of government debt and Chinese listed companies from 2015 to 2020, we find the negative correlation between debt pressure and corporate ESG performance. Furthermore, the adverse influence of debt pressure on corporate ESG performance is markedly pronounced in state-owned companies, companies with elevated political relevance, and companies situated in the inland and northern regions of China. The study also reveals that debt pressure weak ESG performance by aggravating financial constraints and diminishing the capacity for green innovation.

Study on the Enhancement Path of Chinese Landscape Design in Northern Chinese City Communities

The northern region of China, rich in natural and cultural resources, boasts a unique and diverse community landscape due to its geographical and historical reasons. In the annals of Chinese history, Chinese-style landscapes originated in the southern regions and were scaled up in the northern regions under the governance of ruling elites. Presently, Chinese-style landscape design plays a pivotal role in the evolution of modern Chinese communities, showcasing the abundant traditional culture of the north, drawing more tourists, and stimulating local economic prosperity. Through the study of Chinese-style landscape designs in northern cities, we drew some significant conclusions. Prioritizing the expression and embodiment of traditional culture is paramount to improving landscape design. With its plethora of cultural resources like traditional architecture, crafts, and folk activities, integrating these elements into landscape design can create a distinctive and locally flavored touristic environment. Additionally, the study underscores the integration of landscape design with ecological conservation, emphasizing scientific planning and management to protect and harness natural resources, forging a sustainable community landscape. This study hopes to offer insights for the development and landscape design enhancement of northern Chinese cities. The author also seeks collaboration and dialogue with experts, scholars, and practitioners to further enrich and perfect the theoretical and practical dimensions of Chinese-style landscape design in northern cities, pushing forward industry innovation and progress.

English

laxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) oil is an important crop in China, which is rich in saturated fatty acids, alpha-linolenic acid, and other essential nutrients for the human body. Here, we investigated the effects of different irrigation and fertilization conditions on flax yield and quality in semi-arid regions in northern China. Using non-weighing lysimeter fertilization versus non-fertilization, the effects of four irrigation treatments (1 500, 1 800, 2 100, and 2 400 m3 ha-1) on flax yield and quality were assessed for the flax cultivar ‘Yajin7.’ As the irrigation quota increased, both the aboveground fresh weight and flaxseed biomass initially increased and subsequently decreased. The flax fresh weight and seed weight increased by 74.52 and 80.70%, at irrigation quotas of 2 100 and 1 500 m3 ha-1, respectively; however, irrigation quota had no significant effect on flax quality. Fertilizer application significantly improved flax and flaxseed yields by 127 and 77%, respectively, increased mean flax protein content from 20.05 to 24.63%, and decreased the mean lipid content from 46.52 to 43.67%. However, fertilization had no effect on the content of palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids. Overall, our results highlight that water related benefits to flax crops decrease in response to increasing the irrigation quota and appropriate fertilizer application can significantly improve flax yield and quality. Therefore, this study provides a theoretical basis for irrigation and fertilization related to flax cultivation in northern China

Seasonal dynamics and interaction of shallow groundwater geochemical properties and microbial community patterns

Characterizing the temporal variation of microbial community is essential to better understand the biogeochemical cycles in groundwater systems. So far, the roles of microbial metabolisms in affecting the seasonal variation of shallow groundwater biogeochemistry remains largely unknown. In this study, shallow groundwater was sampled during rainy season (RS) and dry season (DS) at Yuncheng Basin, a semi-arid region in northern China. Based on results of hydrogeochemical, environmental isotopic (δ18O, δ2H and δ13C) and high-throughput sequencing analysis, we found that 1) the seasonal variation of groundwater geochemistry is closely related to the stronger evaporation, mineral dissolution, and anthropogenic activities in DS and enhanced cation exchange and stronger recharge in RS; 2) the seasonal dynamics of microbial community were mostly driven by groundwater temperature (T) and total organic carbon (TOC); 3) potential functional consequences indicated stronger microbial carbon fixation and denitrification in RS; 4) the microbial contribution to SO42− in groundwater may increase when gypsum dissolution was weaker while sulfur oxidation was stronger during RS. Our findings suggest that the seasonal variation of microbial metabolisms play important roles in the dynamic characteristics of groundwater geochemistry.

Effects of irrigation and fertilization regimes on tuber yield, water-nutrient uptake and productivity of potato under drip fertigation in sandy regions of northern China

Effects of irrigation and fertilization regimes on tuber yield, water-nutrient uptake and productivity of potato under drip fertigation in sandy regions of northern China

Effects of flood risk warnings on preparedness behavior: Evidence from northern China

During floods caused by extreme precipitation, early warning systems and public disaster preparedness behavior are crucial in mitigating the adverse effects of floods. The torrential rain disaster in Zhengzhou, Henan, in July 2021 is a clear reminder that these warnings did not receive adequate attention, and the general public did not take sufficient preventive measures. Previous research on risk perception and disaster preparedness behavior has often overlooked social support, a key factor. In particular, for non-disaster-prone areas, little research has been conducted on the impact of flood risk warnings, social support, and risk perception on disaster preparedness behavior during sudden disasters. To bridge this divide, this study utilizes survey data collected from urban regions of northern China that are not susceptible to disasters. The primary objective is to examine the impact of flood risk warnings, social support, and four core risk perceptions on public disaster preparedness behavior. Based on the Protective Action Decision Model, we have developed a new comprehensive impact model, which provides a framework for our analysis. The findings suggest that resource attributes and stakeholder perceptions mediate the relationship between flood risk warnings and disaster preparedness intention. Furthermore, stakeholder perception exerts a stronger mediating effect than resource attribute perception. In addition, social support, along with two primary risk perceptions, has a mediating chain effect, which enhances three risk perceptions and promotes public disaster preparedness behavior. Overall, our model explains the core mechanism underlying public disaster preparedness behavior in flood-prone areas and also provides valuable insights for policymakers to develop effective risk mitigation and communication strategies during extreme precipitation events.

Maize yield reduction is more strongly related to soil moisture fluctuation than soil temperature change under biodegradable film vs plastic film mulching in a semi-arid region of northern China

Maize yield reduction is more strongly related to soil moisture fluctuation than soil temperature change under biodegradable film vs plastic film mulching in a semi-arid region of northern China

Effects of coastal shellfish farming on dimethylsulfide production

Dimethylsulfide (DMS) plays an important role in the sulfur biogeochemical cycle and cloud formation on Earth. In the past few decades, coastal shellfish breeding facilities have developed rapidly in shallow coastal regions. However, the effects of coastal shellfish farming on DMS production remain controversial at present. The Yantai offshore is an important shellfish farming region in northern China and the effect of shellfish farming on DMS production was explored combining field investigation and laboratory cultivation in this study. The results showed that coastal shellfish farming can promote the conversion of DMSP to DMS, especially in the shellfish rapid growth period and harvest period. However, different from the zooplankton “sloppy feeding”, the shellfish “filter-feeding” first repackages the phytoplanktonic DMSP into fecal DMSP, and then degrades DMSPp into DMS by attracting attached bacteria. Throughout the entire shellfish farming period, average DMS flux in shellfish region was 1.37 μmol m−2 d−1 higher than that in non-shellfish region. Based on the investigation results Yantai coastal shellfish farming region, it can be estimated that the increment of DMS caused by Chinese coastal shellfish farming can reach 2.96 × 106 mol per year.

Assessing the Applicability of Three Precipitation Products, IMERG, GSMaP, and ERA5, in China over the Last Two Decades

The accuracy of gridded precipitation products is uncertain in different temporal and spatial dimensions. Analyzing the applicability of precipitation products is a prerequisite before applying them to hydrometeorological and other related research. In this study, we selected three gridded precipitation products, Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for Global Precipitation Measurement (IMERG), Global Satellite Mapping of Precipitation (GSMaP), and the fifth generation of atmospheric reanalysis of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ERA5), including their data from 2001 to 2020. Using the data from 699 ground observation stations, we evaluated the applicability of these three precipitation products in China. Based on five statistical and five classification indicators, we first assessed the applicability of the three precipitation products on daily, monthly, and annual time scales, respectively, and then evaluated their applicability in different spatial dimensions, including basins, agriculture, and geomorphology. The results showed that: (1) IMERG data had the best accuracy on annual and monthly time scales, with both correlation coefficient (CC) values greater than 0.95 and Kling–Gupta efficiency (KGE) values greater than 0.90. On a daily time scale, the accuracy of all three precipitation products differed when statistical or categorical indicators were considered alone. However, the applicability of IMERG data was best among the three precipitation products when both types of indicators were considered. (2) The accuracy of the three precipitation products gradually decreased along the southeast–northwest direction. The applicability of ERA5 data was better in northern regions than in other regions in China, especially in arid and semi-arid regions in northern China. The applicability of IMERG data was better in southern regions with more precipitation and in high-altitude regions than in other regions in China. (3) The applicability of the three precipitation products in plain areas was generally better than in mountain areas. Among them, ERA5 data were more accurate in plain areas, while IMERG data were more accurate in mountain areas. This study can provide a reference for the selection of data sources of gridded precipitation products in different time scales and spatial dimensions in China.

Estimating rainfall interception of xerophytic deciduous shrubs by static- and variable-parameter Gash models with stem- and leaf-dominated canopy water storage

The precise modeling of rainfall interception is important to understand the water balance of forest ecosystems, particularly in water-stressed restoration regions. However, xerophytic deciduous shrubs are currently underrepresented in rainfall interception models due to the significant variations in their canopy structures. Therefore, we estimated the rainfall interceptions of four representative deciduous shrubs (Spiraea pubescens, Potentilla fruticose, Hippophae rhamnoides, and Caragana korshinskii) in the semiarid region of northern China using the revised Gash model (RG model) with static parameters and a modified Gash model (MG model) with variable parameters. The results indicate that the MG model outperformed the RG model in studies of S. pubescens and P. fruticose, with regard to the modeling error (6.6%–7.9%), Nash–Sutcliffe model efficiency (0.68–0.86), and the root-mean-square error (0.17–0.71). However, the RG model was better than the MG model for H. rhamnoides and C. korshinskii, with regard to the modeling error (3.6%–6.3%), Nash–Sutcliffe model efficiency (0.82–0.94), and the root-mean-square error (0.17–0.66). The MG model was highly sensitive to changes in the leaf area index, canopy cover, mean evaporation rate, canopy storage capacity, and leaf storage capacity for S. pubescens and P. fruticose. Nevertheless, the RG model demonstrated high sensitivity to changes in the canopy storage capacity and stem storage capacity for H. rhamnoides and C. korshinskii. These indicated that canopy storage capacity has a significant effect on the rainfall interception capabilities of different shrub species, as indicated by both the RG and MG models. This critical indicator was determined by the water storage of stems for H. rhamnoides and C. korshinskii (ranged contribution of 59.5%–81.6%), whereas the water storage of leaves for S. pubescens and P. fruticose (with contributions of 51.3%–80.7%). Therefore, the optimized RG and MG models are recommended for estimating the rainfall interception of xerophytic shrubs with stem-dominated water storage and leaf-dominated water storage, respectively. This study categorizes the applicability of rainfall interception models in terms of important plant traits to precisely assess the water balance of xerophytic deciduous shrub ecosystems. In future studies, leaf configuration and hydrophobicity are highly recommended to be quantified for further improving rainfall interception models.

Identifying the impacts of warming anomalies in the Arctic region and the Tibetan Plateau on PM2.5 pollution and regional transport over China

Arctic region (AR) and Tibetan plateau (TP) are the most sensitive regions to climate change and have synchronously experienced accelerated warming over recent decades. Based on the multi-year observational data of PM2.5 and meteorology, we investigated the modulation of AR and TP's anomalous warming on the variations of PM2.5 pollution and regional transport over central and eastern China (CEC), including major PM2.5 pollution regions in northern China (NC), the Yangtze river delta (YRD), central China (CC), and southern China (SC). Results show that the thermal effects of TP and AR modulated PM2.5 pollution in different ways respectively with prominently influencing the interannual changes of PM2.5 concentrations and heavy PM2.5 pollution occurrences. The impacts of anomalous warming in TP and AR on PM2.5 pollution consistently enhanced regional PM2.5 transport from NC to YRD and SC, while the warming anomalies over AR and TP respectively enhanced and inhibited the southward transport of PM2.5 from NC. In association with the synergistic impact of warming anomalies in AR and TP, the regional PM2.5 transport over CEC presented the inverse patterns of the northward anomalies between NC and CC and the southward anomalies from the eastern part of NC, YRD to SC, forming the regional distribution with negative PM2.5 anomalies in NC and CC and positive PM2.5 anomalies in YRD and SC. Our results highlight the effect of warming anomalies in AR and TP on the PM2.5 pollution over China with the implication of source–receptor relationship of regional transport of air pollutants.

Clonal dominant grass Leymus chinensis benefits more from physiological integration in sexual reproduction than its main companions in a meadow.

The bioecological characteristics of plants determine their status and role in the community. The advantages of dominant species in the community compared with companion species in terms of physiological and ecological characteristics remain unclear. When both dominant and companion species in grassland plant communities are clonal, these plants are able to share resources within clones (physiological integration). However, it is unclear how the clonal dominant and companion species differ in the effect of their physiological integration on sexual reproduction. We chose Leymus chinensis, the dominant species of the most widespread meadow plant communities in the semiarid and arid regions of northern China, and its main companion species L. secalinus, Calamagrostis ripidula, C. pseudophragmites, and C. epigeios and conducted a series of in situ field experiments in a homogeneous environment, including the determination of the phenotypic characteristics of reproductive ramets with connected (allowing physiological integration) and disconnected (preventing integration) tillering nodes for each species, as well as 15N leaf labeling of ramet pairs at the milk-ripe stage. In the clonal populations of the five grasses, physiological integration between vegetative ramets and reproductive ramets interconnected by tillering nodes significantly increased the leaf, stem, inflorescence and ramet biomasses of reproductive ramets, and relative changes in ramet biomass were greatest in L. chinensis. 15N labeling showed that vegetative ramets supplied nutrients to reproductive ramets through tillering nodes; the amount of translocated 15N per unit of reproductive ramet biomass was highest in L. chinensis. Overall, our results indicate that in the five clonal grasses, physiological integration between functionally different ramets under tillering node connections had a significant positive effect on sexual reproduction, indicating interspecific consistency in the contribution of physiological integration to sexual reproduction between the dominant and companion species, but this positive effect was greater in the dominant species L. chinensis than in the four main companion species. Therefore, differences in the physiological integration ability between the dominant and main companion species, identified for the first time in this study, may explain, at least partly, the dominance of L. chinensis in the community.

An Assessment of Soil Loss by Water Erosion in No-Tillage and Mulching, China

Soil erosion poses a global threat to arable land and its sustainability, particularly in China, where the most severe soil erosion exists worldwide. No-tillage (NT) and mulching (NTS) are considered the most effective soil management techniques for reducing erosion, but only 10% of the global area utilizes them. Therefore, in comparison to conventional tillage (CT), we conducted a comprehensive national assessment of NT and NTS to evaluate their impact on water erosion across China’s croplands for the period spanning 2000 to 2018, through using Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE); subsequently, we projected the temporal and spatial erosion distribution, and examined their effects of various underlying driving factors by using a random-forest model. Nationally, the average soil loss rates were 1085, 564, and 396 t km−2 a−1 for the CT, NT, and NTS, respectively, across the entire arable land over a span of 18 years. This represents a reduction of 48% and 64% in the NT and NTS, respectively, compared to CT. From 2000 to 2018, water erosion-induced soil loss exhibited a slightly increasing trend with a wavelike pattern in CT, NT, and NTS. The spatial distribution of water erosion in China’s arable land was primarily influenced by local precipitation, accounting for 45% to 52% of the total impact on CT, NT, and NTS. Additionally, the soil slope degree played a role, contributing 29% to 36% of the erosion patterns. Overall, NT and NTS demonstrated superior performance in mitigating the soil erosion in the southern regions of China, including the Central South, Southwest, and East China, owing to the substantial local rainfall and steep terrain. In contrast, NT and NTS exhibited a lower but still significant reduction in soil loss in the northern regions of China due to the flat topography and limited rainfall. However, considering the trade-off between economic losses (yield) and ecosystem benefits (erosion control), we recommend implementing NT and NTS primarily in the northern parts of China, such as the Northeast, North China, and Northwest.

The formation of proto-austronesians: insights from a revised phylogeography of the paternal founder lineage.

Previous studies suggested that the Y-chromosome haplogroups O2-N6-B451-AM01756 and O1a-M119 are two founder lineages of proto-Austronesians at about five thousand years ago. The objective of this study was to investigate the formation of proto-Austronesians from the perspective of the paternal gene pool. In this study, we developed a highly evised phylogenetic tree with age estimates for haplogroup O2-N6 and early branches of O1a-M119 (M110, F1036, and F819). In addition, we also explored the geographical distribution of eight sub-branches of O2-N6 and O1a-M119, and spatial autocorrelation analysis was conducted for each sub-branch. The paternal lineage combination of proto-Austronesians is a small subset of a diverse gene pool of populations from the mainland of East Asia. The distribution map and results of the spatial autocorrelation analysis suggested that the eastern coastal region of northern China is likely the source of lineage O2-N6 while the coastal region of southeastern China is likely the diffusion center of early branches of O1a-M119. We developed an evolutionary diagram for Austronesians and their ancestors in the past 18,000years. We proposed that the millet farming community in North China is the common ancestor group of the Austronesians and the Han people, while the diverse ancient people in the southeast coastal areas of East Asia form the common ancestor group of the Austronesians and the East Asian mainland population. The demographic history of multiple ancestral groups of the most recent common ancestor group itself in the more ancient period is helpful to understand the deep roots of the genetic components and cultural traditions of Austronesians.

Impacts of UHI on Heating and Cooling Loads in Residential Buildings in Cities of Different Sizes in Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region in China

The heating and cooling energy consumption levels of urban buildings account for a large and rapidly growing proportion of the total end-use energy consumption of society. The urban heat island (UHI) effect is an important factor influencing the spatiotemporal variations in the heating and cooling energy consumption levels of buildings. However, there is a lack of research on the impact of the UHI on the heating and cooling energy consumption of buildings in cities of different sizes in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei urban agglomeration, which is the most urbanized region in northern China. We selected rural reference stations using the remote sensing method, and applied an hourly data set from automatic weather stations, to examine the impact of the UHI on the typical residential building heating and cooling loads in three cities of varied sizes in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei urban agglomeration through building energy simulation. The main conclusions were as follows. As the UHI intensity (UHII) increased, the heating load difference between urban and rural areas decreased, while the cooling load difference between urban and rural areas increased in the cities. The average daily heating loads in the urban areas of Beijing, Tianjin, and Shijiazhuang were 8.14, 10.71, and 2.79% lower than those in their rural areas, respectively, while the average daily cooling loads in the urban areas were 6.88, 6.70, and 0.27% higher than those in their rural areas, respectively. Moreover, the absolute hourly load differences between urban and rural areas were significantly larger during the heating periods than during the cooling periods, with the former characterized by being strong at night and weak during the day. During the peak energy load period, the contribution of the UHI to the peak load of residential buildings varied between the cities. During the stable high-load period, from 18:00 to 07:00 the next day in the heating periods (from 18:00 to 05:00 the next day in the cooling periods), the hourly loads in the urban areas of Beijing, Tianjin, and Shijiazhuang were 3.15 (2.48), 3.88 (1.51), and 1.07% (1.09%) lower (higher) than those in their rural areas, respectively. Our analysis highlights the necessity to differentiate the energy supplies for the heating and cooling of urban buildings in different sized cities in the region.

A Machine Learning-Based Approach to Evaluate the Spatial Performance of Courtyards—A Case Study of Beijing’s Old Town

The quality of residential buildings in old urban areas of Beijing is known to be inconsistent, prompting numerous urban renewal projects in the city. This research investigates how building space impacts energy usage and daylighting in courtyard areas of old urban regions in northern China. It also proposes a quick evaluation method for building performance in courtyard spaces, utilizing multi-objective optimization and machine learning classification prediction as a theoretical framework. A study was conducted to gather and organize building space parameters and their corresponding performances using a genetic algorithm. The dataset was then pre-processed and trained using the LightGBM algorithm. The model validation results revealed a recall of 0.9 and an F1-score of 0.8. These scores indicate that the design scheme’s performance level can be accurately identified in practical use. The goal of this study is to propose a set of rapid assessment methods for building performance levels in courtyard spaces. These methods can significantly improve the feedback efficiency between design decision and performance assessment, reduce the time wasted in building performance simulation during the architectural design process, and avoid unreasonable renovation and addition in urban renewal. Furthermore, the research method has universality and can be applied to courtyard-shaped buildings in other regions.

System optimization and mode modification of the solar assisted ground source heat pump system for primary schools in northern rural areas of China

With the increasing application of geothermal and solar energy in northern regions of China, it has become one of the main clean heating technologies for rural primary schools. However, the mismatch in equipment capacity has led to poor operating effect and economic efficiency of such systems. This paper puts forward experimental and analysis on a solar assisted ground source heat pump system in a primary school in Beijing's Daxing District. And then, to address the above issues, a TRNSYS model is established and verified to optimize the system strategy and form during 15 years period. What’ more, the main factors affecting solar collector selection are screened by sensitivity analysis. And through the step-by-step regression analysis, the collector selection correction model based on the coefficient Km is obtained. The results show that the temperature difference of the optimized collector control is 10 °C/1°C, and that of the supplementary heat is 20 °C/1°C. The applicable scenarios of the two system forms are different, and the energy efficiency of the system operation is increased by 23% and 23.4% respectively. In addition, the revised model ensures the balance of soil temperature for 15 years of operation under the condition of considering multiple elements, which provides a reference for the matching and selection of equipment for the same type of project in the future.

Can digital inclusive finance ensure food security while achieving low-carbon transformation in agricultural development? Evidence from China

The failure of the global food system to produce food in a sustainable way needs to change urgently, and a solid push to harmonize low-carbon food production with stable supply security is the right direction in which modern agriculture must evolve, but it is more difficult for large food-producing countries, and finding the right practices or systems to help policymakers or producers address this dilemma is critical. This requires political will, increased financing and top-level design. Digital inclusive finance (DIFI) embodies the financial concept of a community of human destiny, and it is worth examining whether this more inclusive and comprehensive financial service can shoulder the “responsibility” of “ensuring food security and reducing carbon emissions” in agriculture. This paper takes China's grain production system as an example, measures the coordinated development level of food production ensuring supply and reducing carbon emissions, and then analyzes the overall and regional characteristics of it. It is found that the coordinated development trend of China's food production ensuring supply and reducing carbon emissions is relatively stable during 2011–2020, fluctuating slightly above and below 0.9, and the central region has the highest level of coordinated development. The empirical results show that DIFI has led to a 4.3 percentage point increase in the level of coordinated development of food production ensuring supply and reducing carbon emissions during the decade, showing a stronger spatial spillover effect on neighboring regions than the local effect. At the same time, in the research of regional division in China, the impact of DIFI on the level of coordinated development of food production ensuring supply and reducing carbon emissions varies across regions, with typical uneven characteristics, and the promotion effect is more significant in the central and northern regions of China. Overall, this paper provides a simple tool for policy makers or producers to understand the balance between guaranteed output and low-carbon development of agricultural production activities. This paper will provide a methodological basis for assessing and standardizing low-carbon agricultural practices, innovating financial development models and systems, and promoting sustainable agriculture.