Cultivated Land Use Research Articles

Spatial-temporal Characteristics of Eco-efficiency of Cultivated Land Use in Shannxi Plain, North-west China

Cultivated land plays a crucial role in guaranteeing food security, but the production factor inputs in the cultivated land use can also cause environmental pollution. Assessing the eco-efficiency of cultivated land use (ECLU) has an essential effect on achieving sustainable agricultural development. However, studies of the ECLU have focused on the assessment of large regions and differences due to environmental factors but have lacked the assessment of single production areas. This study utilizes the SBM to measure the ECLU in Shannxi Plain, based on 2011 to 2021 statistics. The results of the study provide a factual basis for the realization of sustainable agricultural development and recommendations for the formulation of policies for sustainable agricultural development.

Investigations on Driving Factors of Coordination Development of Rural Infrastructure and Ecological Environment: The Case of Western China

The coordinated development of rural infrastructure and ecological environment is an effective way to improve agricultural productivity. The primary focus of the current research is how the two can work together to promote regional economic development in rural areas and in related fields. This study takes the western region as the research object, constructs an evaluation index system for rural infrastructure and ecological environment, and uses the Min-max Scaling method, coupling coordination model, gray GM (1, 1) model, and standard deviation elliptical model for evaluation. The trends and driving factors for the coordinated development of rural infrastructure and ecological coupling in the region from 2012 to 2021 are analyzed. The main results are as follows: (1) Except for Tibet, Qinghai, and Ningxia, the coupling degree of rural infrastructure and the ecological environment in western China reached the maximum level during the research period, also the coordination degree showed a gradual upward trend. (2) A prediction for the development and evolution of rural infrastructure and the ecological environment in western China indicates a trend of agglomerative development in the southern region. (3) By strengthening the construction of reservoirs, improving sanitary conditions, improving cultivated land use area and forest coverage, and controlling soil erosion, the coordinated development of the two can be effectively promoted. The purpose of this study is to promote the sustainable and coordinated development of rural infrastructure and ecological environment, and to provide a reference for policy formulation in the relevant sectors and other countries and regions with similar situations.

Farmer differentiation and cultivated use system resilience from a perceptive behavioral perspective: influencing mechanisms and governance strategies

IntroductionThe adaptive management strategy of the cultivated land use system is crucial for achieving sustainable development, particularly when viewed from the perspective of perceptual behavior. This study integrated farmers’ behavior, perceptions, and willingness into the resilience evaluation index system of the cultivated land use system.MethodsBy resilience calculation method of cultivated land use system and linear regression method, it also explored the effect of farmer differentiation on the resilience of cultivated land use systems under the influence of socioeconomic systems, thereby providing a scientific reference for the adaptive management of cultivated land use systems.ResultsThe key findings are as follows: First, in general, the production resilience of the peasant household cultivated land use system was low, with significant resilience differentiation of resource elements and stratification of ecological and scale structures. However, the total resilience remained relatively stable. Second, farmers’ cultivated land use systems exhibit uneven resilience, with a lack of production and ecological protection, indicating low efficiency and weak functioning of the cultivated land use system. Third, farmers’ differentiation into non-agricultural employment is high, with low dependence on land. The resilience of the cultivated land use system varies significantly among different types of farmers, with imbalance and production deficiency being the main types of resilience in the farmland use system. Fourth, the economic differentiation of farmers and the differentiation of cultivated land use negatively affected the resilience of the cultivated land use system; the more pronounced the differentiation, the lower the resilience.DiscussionBased on these findings, the primary management strategies to enhance the resilience and adaptability of the cultivated land use system include improving the production resilience of the system, increasing the enthusiasm of different types of farmers to invest in the resource elements of the cultivated land use system, promoting the transformation of ecological protection consciousness and behavior among various types of farmers, and improving the willingness for cultivated land transfer.

The association of farmers’ cognition, intention and behaviour towards sustainable intensification of cultivated land use in Shandong Province, China

ABSTRACT Cultivated land system confronts with a series of problems hindering its socioeconomic and ecological sustainability. Sustainable intensification of cultivated land use (SICLU) is considered as an efficient method to achieve three aspects of sustainable goals in society, economy and ecology simultaneously. Farmers, the main executor of all agricultural strategies, are the core of SICLU research. However, there is a small quantity of researches on SICLU from the perspective of farmers’ social psychology. Therefore, this article measured the level of SICLU at the farmer scale using super-efficiency SBM model, and relying on structural equation modeling and an innovative research framework, explored the association mechanism among farmers’ cognition, intention and behavior of SICLU. Finally, the results showed that (1) most of samples are at a medium or higher level of SICLU. (2) all samples’ cognition are significantly positively related to their behavior and their behavior significantly negatively affect their intention. (3) correlation characteristics among them are slightly different under each level. The proposed research outline not only expand the scope of SI research to the perspective of social psychology in breadth, but in depth take targeted actions to protect agricultural environment, make cultivated land system sustainable and alleviate food crisis.

Erodibility Indices and Soil Loss from Different Land uses in Owukpa and Okaba Bioregion of Lower Coal Measures Geological Sediments of the Anambra Basin, Nigeria

The study on erodibility indices and soil loss from different land uses in Owukpa and Okaba bioregion of lower coal measures geological sediments of the Anambra Basin, Nigeria was conducted forested, cultivated and residential lands. Thirty-nine (39) representative soil samples were collected at a depth of 0 – 20 cm using auger, labeled and preserved to the laboratory for standard laboratory procedures. The percentage of different grain sizes Moisture content, organic carbon, organic matter content, soil pH, bulk density, particle density, porosity, soil structural index, specific gravity, particle size and permeability were verified. The three land uses were predominantly sandy soil and classified as sandy loam, moderate Permeability, low moisture and clay contents. Dispersion, Erosion, Clay and Modified Clay ratios where high, while Water Stable Aggregates was low. Cultivated land use has the highest value of erodibility factor K (0.12) and predicted soil loss was 18.22 tons/ha/yr. Residential land use value of erodibility factor K was 0.10 and the predicted soil loss of 14.80 Tons/ha /yr while forested land use K was lowest (0.08) with predicted soil loss of 11.84 tons/ha/yr. Using one way ANOVA at p ? 0.05 the different land use patterns did not significantly influence erodibility factor and soil loss in the study area.

Spatiotemporal differences, dynamic evolution and trend of cultivated land use efficiency: Based on three food functional areas

China's agricultural development has entered a period of transition, and improving the cultivated land use efficiency (CLUE) is of great significance for guaranteeing national food security. Based on the province panel data in China from 2000 to 2021, this research calculates the cultivated land use efficiency, and uses the Dagum-Gini coefficient, Kernel density estimation, and Markov chain to conduct an in-depth analysis of CLUE's regional variations and distribution dynamics in three food functional areas (TFA) of China. The study results showed that the trend of CLUE was characterized by “increasing levels and decreasing absolute differences,” not only in the whole country but also in the TFA. The inter-regional variation among TFA is gradually narrowing, and the cross-group degree of inter-regional variation is on the rise. The upward probability of CLUE was more effective than the probability of a transitionary change, and the mutual influence of CLUE between neighboring cities would lead to spatial convergence in the level of CLUE in the long term. Therefore, improving CLUE in China's TFA should not only grasp the regional differences in CLUE but also actively utilize the spatial spillover effects among functional regions to realize the cross-regional synergistic development of cropland utilization efficiency in China.

Spatiotemporal characteristics of cultivated land use eco-efficiency and its influencing factors in China from 2000 to 2020

Spatiotemporal characteristics of cultivated land use eco-efficiency and its influencing factors in China from 2000 to 2020

Monitoring soil quality of different land use systems: a case study in Suha watershed, northwestern highlands of Ethiopia

The problem of soil quality degradation has been becoming more severe in the highlands of Ethiopia due to soil erosion; land use and land cover change, and poor land management. The level of soil quality degradation was not well known and documented in the study area and the results of this study could provide new information to improve soil conditions. The present study was conducted to evaluate soil quality in terms of its physical and chemical fertility under different land use types in the Suha watershed, northwestern highlands of Ethiopia. A total of 27 composite surface soil samples (0–30 cm) were collected from adjacently located land-uses in three replications from two elevation gradients. Standard procedures were followed to analyze selected soil physical and chemical quality indicators. The differences in the mean values of the parameters were tested using a two-way analysis of variance. In addition, Soil Quality Degradation Index was evaluated to see the direction and magnitude of change in soil quality indicators. The analysis of variance results revealed that soil quality indicators such as index of soil aggregate stability, organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), and C:N ratio were significantly decreased in the cultivated land use system compared to other land use systems. On the other hand, the content of available Phosphorus was significantly higher in the cultivated land. Soil quality deterioration index values were highly negative for SOC (− 71.3%) and TN (− 67.7%) in the cultivated land, followed by grazing land (SOM = − 35.5% and TN = − 27.7%). Aggregated Soil Quality Index values also indicated that the status of soil quality under cultivated fields is rated as low, grazing land as optimal, and forest land as high. Generally, results indicated that land use and cover changes had adverse effects on soil quality indicators. Hence, soil management strategies, mainly Integrated Soil Fertility Management which integrates soil and water conservation strategies, are required to alleviate the problem of soil quality deterioration and improve agricultural productivity.

A framework for quantification and integration of green development of cultivated land in China: From the perspective of adaptability‐vitality‐resistance

AbstractExploring the green development of cultivated land (GDCL) and solving the problem of “high consumption and high pollution” caused by the traditional model are of great significance for achieving sustainable use of cultivated land and green agricultural growth. However, the existing consensus on action lacks theoretical support and quantitative analysis. To this end, the objective of this study was to develop a new multidimensional framework considering as an integrated capacity to adaptability‐vitality‐resistance (A‐V‐R) assess GDCL according to the essential requirement of green development. The analytical framework and evaluation system proposed in this study are expected to provide empirical support for the green transition of cultivated land use in China or worldwide. This study determines spatiotemporal differentiation and influencing mechanism of GDCL in China from 2000 to 2020. The results demonstrated that the GDCL level of China was low and characterized by a W‐shaped fluctuation. The regional difference in GDCL is greater than that within the regions and the evolution of different types of regions showed significant path dependence and spatiotemporal inertia. The reason behind this phenomenon is that agricultural technology and socioeconomic development factors such as agricultural mechanization level, urban–rural income equity index and extensively influenced GDCL in different regions. The interaction among driving factors forms a complex multi‐resultant force to construct a comprehensive action mechanism at the GDCL level driven by demand, economy, technology, and ecology. Therefore, this study suggests coordinating the relationship between technological progress, technological diffusion, agricultural total factor productivity, and the GDCL path, in order to effectively reduce the internal and external contradictions of GDCL.

Spatial–Temporal Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Eco-Efficiency of Cultivated Land Use in the Yangtze River Delta Region

The sustainable utilization of regional cultivated land systems in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region over the past 40 years has been severely impacted by rapid urbanization processes. Improving the eco-efficiency of cultivated land use (ECLU) plays a significant role in achieving the sustainable utilization of farmland and high-quality development of agriculture and rural areas. In this study, the spatial–temporal features and influencing factors of the ECLU in the YRD are investigated by various methods, such as a super-efficient SBM model, hot spot analysis, Dagum Gini coefficient, and panel tobit model. The findings indicate the following: the ECLU showed an overall high level from 2000 to 2020; the ECLU varied significantly over time and space in the YRD. The ECLU presented obvious spatial agglomeration in the YRD: southern regions exhibited a concentration of cold spots, while hot spots were primarily found in the east and north of the YRD. The trend of regional differences in ECLU during the research period fluctuated upwards in the YRD, and the density difference super-variable was the main source of regional differences. Increases in urbanization level and GDP per capita contributed to ECLU enhancement in the YRD, and agricultural intensity levels and agricultural industrial structures played a negative role in ECLU improvement. Finally, we suggest that different regions should adapt to local conditions, scientifically and reasonably allocate cultivated land production resources, and promote the coordinated improvement of ECLU. This study could provide a reference for policymakers to formulate better decisions on cultivated land utilization and management.

The interplay between historical land‐use and the distribution of Helichrysum shrubs in an African‐protected grassland

AbstractHuman land use can have lasting impacts on landscape characteristic, yet there remains a lack of information on how former land use affects plant communities in protected African grasslands. In this study, we investigated how land uses prior to the creation of Kitulo National Park, Tanzania, shaped the presence and abundance of the native shrub, Helichrysum species. We evaluated both plant species composition and soil properties across the park by dividing our sample into three different zones of historical land use based on participatory mapping. We divided the park into three former land uses: (1) livestock grazed and cultivated; (2) grazed only and (3) wild grazing with limited human impact. We observed that former grazed cultivated land use had five times higher Helichrysum abundance than former ‘wild’ land use. Soil pH, magnesium and phosphorus levels varied significantly across zones of historical land use but not between sites with and without Helichrysum species. Helichrysum splendidum was more abundant in soils with low soil phosphorus and magnesium concentrations. Our study demonstrates that historic grazing and cropping land uses through changes in soil nutrient properties can explain current Helichrysum species spread in protected areas. As such, conservation management plans would benefit from integrating mapping of former land uses to target interventions for problematic encroaching shrubs.

Spatial–Temporal Differentiation and Driving Factors of Cultivated Land Use Transition in Sino–Vietnamese Border Areas

Understanding the transformation of cultivated land use is crucial for advancing sustainable development goals related to food security. However, in mountainous regions, there is a lack of comprehensive studies that fully account for the diverse factors influencing cultivated land use transformation. This study aims to elucidate the temporal and spatial dynamics of cultivated land resource transformation in the mountainous Sino–Vietnam border area, uncover its underlying driving mechanisms, and offer insights for safeguarding cultivated land, promoting economic development, ensuring homeland security, enhancing ecological security, and bolstering border stability and prosperity. To investigate the cultivated land use transformation pattern in the Sino–Vietnam border area from 2000 to 2020, we employed kernel density estimation and geo-information spectra. Additionally, we developed a comprehensive driving force system tailored to the unique characteristics of cultivated land use in the border region. We applied a spatial econometric model to dissect the driving mechanisms governing cultivated land use transformation. Our findings revealed several key insights: (1) The density of cultivated land in the Sino–Vietnam border area exhibited an initial increase followed by a decrease. Notably, the transformation of cultivated land was most prominent in the eastern plains, intensifying over time. (2) The predominant type of transformation in the Sino–Vietnamese border area revolved around the mutual conversion of cultivated land and woodland, with the mutual conversion of cultivated land and grassland ranking second. (3) Against the backdrop of urban–rural integration, the transformation of cultivated land use at the border progressed from a phase of rapid decline to a phase of slower decline. (4) The transformation of cultivated land was influenced by a complex interplay of socio-economic factors, natural environmental conditions, policy management, and transportation infrastructure. The relative importance of these factors in driving cultivated land use transformation varied significantly across different time periods. In light of these findings, we recommend promoting agricultural modernization and industrialization in the Sino–Vietnamese border areas. It is essential to consider the region’s distinct cultivated land characteristics, implement tailored land policies, and develop diversified strategies for the utilization and management of cultivated land. Furthermore, harnessing land resources to stimulate economic development should be a focal point of future initiatives in the area.

Understanding the distribution patterns and underlying mechanisms of non-grain use of cultivated land in rural China

How to control the non-grain use of cultivated land (NGUCL) for the simultaneous development of food security, rural revitalization, and ecological protection has been a major topic of global concern. However, insufficient understanding of the pattern and its underlying mechanisms has posed major challenges for related policy-making. To bridge this gap, this study established a theoretical framework for NGUCL analysis and employed quantitative methods to reveal the NGUCL pattern and its mechanisms. The key finding is that there was a core–edge model of NGUCL distribution pattern from the suburbs to the remote suburbs; this was determined by a policy–market–site coupling mechanism and non-grain market location enhanced mechanism. The foremost contribution of this study is that it presents a global understanding of the core–edge model using a coexisting pattern analysis on NGUCL from the suburbs to the remote suburbs based on our understanding of non-grain growing behaviors. To strengthen control of NGUCL, we propose implementing regionally differentiated policies for cultivated land protection together with spatial planning for crop growing. We argue that the key to policy improvement is to maximize agricultural labor productivity in accordance with market demand. The findings and suggestions of this study are significant for China and other regions to promote NGUCL control and cultivated land protection.

Characteristics of unbalanced and inadequate intensive use of cultivated land in China and causes

Characteristics of unbalanced and inadequate intensive use of cultivated land in China and causes

Coupling interaction and driving factors of cultivated land use transition and county urbanization: A case study in Henan province

Coupling interaction and driving factors of cultivated land use transition and county urbanization: A case study in Henan province

Cultivated land use control from the perspective of "non-grain" governance: Response logic and framework construction

Cultivated land use control from the perspective of "non-grain" governance: Response logic and framework construction

The effect of cultivated land renting-in on sustainable intensification of cultivated land use: Analysis of the mediating effect of management scale and fragmentation level

The effect of cultivated land renting-in on sustainable intensification of cultivated land use: Analysis of the mediating effect of management scale and fragmentation level

Dynamic Evaluation of the Effect of Soil Analysis on Monocultures

Soil stands as one of the principal resources for agricultural development, with this activity encompassing approximately 38% of the Earth’s surface. The resulting product is directed towards human consumption and animal feed, as well as energy crops, among other purposes. Given the pivotal role of this activity and the escalating demand for its products within the economic sphere, coupled with population growth, the need arises not only for increased crop yield but also for addressing the per capita reduction in available land. Consequently, an imperative arises to explore emerging alternatives for soil conservation and restoration in pursuit of this goal. Thus, a dynamic system model is introduced to assess the patterns of land use for agricultural cultivation in Colombia. Modelling is a useful tool for system conceptualisation, understanding, projection of future scenarios and hypothesis testing about the impact of disruptions in a system’s overall behaviour about changes in its components. The main purpose of this article is to evaluate, through simulation with system dynamics, soil recovery scenarios from the use of residues from the same crops, specifically in the case of monocultures, such as sugarcane. Similar studies have not been found in the literature review and, therefore, this work is novel and establishes a starting point to continue exploring these soil recovery alternatives. The formulation of this model was accomplished through the utilization of the Vensim DSS software (Version 5.10a), followed by simulations of various land use scenarios across two distinct types of crops. The outcomes of these simulations unveiled a gradual degradation of the soil. To counter this trend, scenarios were evaluated, with composting emerging as a viable and significant alternative. There are some scenarios in which land degradation is lower by more than 50% compared with those in which the alternative is not considered. The composting process reduces costs in terms of fertilization, labour and support for environmental enhancement by restoring physical, chemical and biological soil properties. This study proposes for this model to be extended to other agricultural chains, thereby demonstrating its potential for guiding decisions regarding land use and crop activity scheduling that share similarities with the system under investigation.

Production Sharing Agreement for Agricultural Land Encumbered with Liens in Southeast Sulawesi Indonesia

The aim of the research is to attempt to analyze the form of production sharing agreement for agricultural land which is encumbered with liens which is widely applied by agricultural communities so that a model of production sharing agreement can be identified that is in accordance with the characteristics of agricultural communities in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. The method used is a qualitative descriptive research type with an empirical normative approach and using secondary data. The research results show that the form of agricultural land production sharing agreement which is burdened with liens which is widely applied by the agricultural community of Southeast Sulawesi is mostly done orally between the parties based on customary law. Understanding of agreements made following the traditions, beliefs and customs of the local community which include the use of agricultural or cultivated land, distribution of results, time and duration of the agreement, obligations and responsibilities of the parties, dispute resolution, and protection of honor and customs. The ideal form of an agricultural land production sharing agreement which is encumbered with a lien is to protect the interests of the parties, the form of the agreement should be in writing before and ratified by an authorized official and the contents of the agreement should include a mechanism for sharing the results or profits from the agricultural business, the time period includes the period during which the agricultural business will take place. and production sharing agreement, payment of profit sharing, responsibility of the parties, settlement if one party does not fulfill its obligations, and termination of the agreement.

Tele-connecting local consumption to cultivated land use and hidden drivers in China

China faces significant pressure on cultivated land resources due to the accelerated pace of urbanization in recent years. The study of embodied cultivated land offers a new perspective on alleviating pressure on cultivated land between different regions. However, the temporal dynamics characteristic and the intersectoral linkages of embodied cultivated land have rarely been systematically described. Therefore, we applied an environmental extended multi-regional input-output approach to analyze the spatial patterns and flow relationships of virtual cultivated land (VCL) between regional, provincial and sectoral scale in China from 2007 to 2017, considering both temporal and spatial dimensions. Then, we explored the hidden drivers of VCL change using structural decomposition analysis (SDA). Our results showed that trade embodied cultivated land increase by 8.5 % from 2007 to 2017. The flow trend is primarily flowed out from the less developed northwest China but with abundant cultivated land to the more developed regions of the southeast coast. Especially, in 2015, the net outflow of VCL from the northwest region reached 15.82 Mha, which was the maximum value during the study period. In addition, agricultural and construction sector were the major land consumption sector. VCL consumed by the agricultural sector declined 12.51 %, while the VCL consumed by construction sector had a significant growth in 2007–2017. Furthermore, the results of SDA revealed that cultivated land use intensity and per capita final demand were the main factors causing changes in embodied cultivated land. The results can help clarify the responsible parties for land consumption and provide a guarantee for alleviating the pressure on regional cultivated land resources.