Editorial

9 pages, 190 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Land Use Transitions under Rapid Urbanization: A Perspective from Developing China

by Hualou Long, Xiangbin Kong, Shougeng Hu and Yurui Li

Land 2021, 10(9), 935; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10090935 - 06 Sep 2021

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 2711

Land use transition is a manifestation of land use and land cover change (LUCC) and is also a major research focus of the Global Land Project (GLP), as well as land system science (LSS) [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Transitions under Rapid Urbanization)

Research

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16 pages, 1863 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identifying the Determinants of Nongrain Farming in China and Its Implications for Agricultural Development

by Yuanzhi Guo and Jieyong Wang

Land 2021, 10(9), 902; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10090902 - 27 Aug 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2326

Abstract

Promoted by rapid industrialization and urbanization, the structure and spatial pattern of farming in China has changed greatly, and nongrain farming (NGF) has become more common. However, excessive NGF in some areas is not conducive to sustainable agricultural development and threatens China’s food [...] Read more.

Promoted by rapid industrialization and urbanization, the structure and spatial pattern of farming in China has changed greatly, and nongrain farming (NGF) has become more common. However, excessive NGF in some areas is not conducive to sustainable agricultural development and threatens China’s food security. In this study, we briefly analyze the stage characteristics of NGF in China and investigate the spatial agglomeration of NGF and its influencing factors from the perspective of spatial econometrics. The results showed that the average annual growth rate of NGF in China from 1985 to 2019 was 0.64%, and there was a growing positive spatial correlation between NGF in each province. Spatial Durbin model (SDM) estimation showed that both the per capita disposable income of local rural residents and the local urbanization rate promoted the development of NGF, while local per capita farmland, road density, and the functional orientation of the main grain-producing areas had a negative impact on NGF. The per capita disposable income of rural households and urbanization rate in neighboring areas had a promoting effect on the development of NGF, while road density in neighboring areas was negatively correlated with NGF. Ultimately, some targeted measures are proposed to promote China’s agricultural development in the new era. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Transitions under Rapid Urbanization)

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16 pages, 1808 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Identification of Multiple Cropping Index of Farmland and Regional Optimization Scheme in China Based on NDVI Data

by Tingting Li, Yanfei Wang, Changquan Liu and Shuangshuang Tu

Land 2021, 10(8), 861; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10080861 - 16 Aug 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2983

Abstract

The multiple cropping index of farmland is a significant characterization of land use intensity. Based on the NDVI data, this paper calculated the multiple cropping index of farmland in China using the S-G filtering method, and proposed an optimized regionalization scheme for the [...] Read more.

The multiple cropping index of farmland is a significant characterization of land use intensity. Based on the NDVI data, this paper calculated the multiple cropping index of farmland in China using the S-G filtering method, and proposed an optimized regionalization scheme for the farmland use. The findings reveal that from 2000 to 2018, the multiple cropping index of farmland in China underwent the fluctuation of rising first, then falling and rising continuously, which was closely associated with the agricultural support policies enforced in China. Counties whose multiple cropping indexes decreased from 2009 to 2018 were mainly located in areas primarily producing grain, which exerted a greater influence on food security. The gap between the multiple cropping index and potential multiple cropping index of farmland is increasingly widening from north to south in China. Accordingly, four types of grain producing zones were delineated: key development zone, potential growth zone, appropriate development zone, and restricted development zone. Some suggestions, such as rotation, fallow, determination of yield by water and offsetting the quantity balance of farmland by increasing the multiple cropping index, are put forward based on different zones. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Transitions under Rapid Urbanization)

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21 pages, 2810 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Land Use Transitions under Rapid Urbanization in Chengdu-Chongqing Region: A Perspective of Coupling Water and Land Resources

by Yuchen Pan, Li Ma, Hong Tang, Yiwen Wu and Zhongjian Yang

Land 2021, 10(8), 812; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10080812 - 02 Aug 2021

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3059

Abstract

Land resources and water resources are the important material basis of economic and social development, and their pattern determines the pattern of development. Based on the panel data of the Chengdu–Chongqing Economic Circle from 2011 to 2018, this paper evaluates the matching degree [...] Read more.

Land resources and water resources are the important material basis of economic and social development, and their pattern determines the pattern of development. Based on the panel data of the Chengdu–Chongqing Economic Circle from 2011 to 2018, this paper evaluates the matching degree of water and land resources, and their respective matching degrees with the economic development in the Chengdu–Chongqing Economic Circle with the Gini coefficient method. Based on the two-way fixed effect model, an extended Cobb–Douglas production function model is established to analyze the sensitivity of economic growth to land and water factors. In addition, the restriction degree of water and land resources to the economic development of the Chengdu–Chongqing Economic Circle is measured quantitatively by using the growth damping coefficient. The results show that the water and land resources and economic development of the Chengdu–Chongqing Economic Circle have a high matching degree, but the inner cities have a great difference. The contribution of water resources to economic growth is greater than that of land resources. Both of them have a little growth drag, which shows that industrial development has disposed of the dependence of water and land resources. The development of the Chengdu–Chongqing Economic Circle needs to play the role of technological progress in promoting economic growth, and at the same time optimize the use of water and land resources to reduce its constraints on the economic growth. Finally, the policy suggestions of matching water and land resources and economic growth in different regions are put forward. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Transitions under Rapid Urbanization)

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19 pages, 2778 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Land Use Change and Farmers’ Sense of Place in Typical Catchment of the Loess Hilly and Gully Region of China

by Yi Li, Yurui Li, Bin Fang, Lulu Qu, Chongjing Wang and Wubo Li

Land 2021, 10(8), 810; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10080810 - 01 Aug 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2556

Abstract

Clarifying the relationship between land use and farmers’ sense of place on a micro scale is significant for enriching the perspective of research on human–environment relationships. Therefore, this paper analyzed land use change and the sense of place of farmers and further explored [...] Read more.

Clarifying the relationship between land use and farmers’ sense of place on a micro scale is significant for enriching the perspective of research on human–environment relationships. Therefore, this paper analyzed land use change and the sense of place of farmers and further explored the interaction between them in the Yangjuangou catchment of Liqu Town in Baota District, Shaanxi Province from 1984 to 2020. The results indicated that: (1) the change in croplands was the most significant, i.e., its share in the total area decreased by 40%, and the decrease in sloping fields was the highest. The average relative altitude of croplands has decreased. The change in ecological land was also more significant, showing an increasing trend. Overall, the exploitation of land resources has declined; (2) the intensity of the sense of place of local farmers fluctuated downwards. The intensity of place attachment and place dependence decreased, and the intensity of the place identity increased; and (3) the decline in the intensity of the place attachment and place dependence promoted the reduction of sloping fields, the growth of ecological land and abandoned fields. By comparison, the increase in ecological land and check dam land promoted an increase in the intensity of place identity for local farmers. This paper suggested that rural areas in the Loess Hilly and Gully Region should strengthen innovation in land use patterns and focus on sustainability of farmers’ livelihoods, in order to promote the harmonious development of human-environmental relations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Transitions under Rapid Urbanization)

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21 pages, 13987 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Evolution of the Interactive Relationship between Urbanization and Land-Use Transition: A Case Study of the Yangtze River Delta

by Bo Niu, Dazhuan Ge, Rui Yan, Yingyi Ma, Dongqi Sun, Mengqiu Lu and Yuqi Lu

Land 2021, 10(8), 804; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10080804 - 30 Jul 2021

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 2730

Abstract

In recent years, the impact of land-use systems on global climate change has become increasingly significant, and land-use change has become a hot issue of concern to academics, both within China and abroad. Urbanization, as an important socioeconomic factor, plays a vital role [...] Read more.

In recent years, the impact of land-use systems on global climate change has become increasingly significant, and land-use change has become a hot issue of concern to academics, both within China and abroad. Urbanization, as an important socioeconomic factor, plays a vital role in promoting land-use transition, which also shows a significant spatial dependence on urbanization. This paper constructs a theoretical framework for the interaction relationship between urbanization and land-use transition, taking the Yangtze River Delta as an example, and measures the level of urbanization from the perspective of population urbanization, economic urbanization and social urbanization, while also evaluating the level of land-use morphologies from the perspective of dominant and recessive morphologies of land-use. We construct a PVAR model and coupled coordination model based on the calculated indexes for empirical analysis. The results show that the relationship between urbanization and land-use transition is not a simple linear relationship, but tends to be complex with the process of urbanization, and reasonable urbanization and land-use morphologies will promote further benign coupling in the system. By analyzing the interaction relationship between urbanization and land-use transition, this study enriches the study of land-use change and provides new pathways for thinking about how to promote high-quality urbanization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Transitions under Rapid Urbanization)

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20 pages, 17690 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Habitat Quality Effect and Driving Mechanism of Land Use Transitions: A Case Study of Henan Water Source Area of the Middle Route of the South-to-North Water Transfer Project

by Meijing Chen, Zhongke Bai, Qingri Wang and Zeyu Shi

Land 2021, 10(8), 796; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10080796 - 29 Jul 2021

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 3330

Abstract

Accelerating urbanization and industrialization have had substantial impacts on economic and social activities, changed the surface environment of the earth, and affected global climate change and biodiversity. If reasonable and effective management measures are not implemented in time, unchecked urbanization and industrialization will [...] Read more.

Accelerating urbanization and industrialization have had substantial impacts on economic and social activities, changed the surface environment of the earth, and affected global climate change and biodiversity. If reasonable and effective management measures are not implemented in time, unchecked urbanization and industrialization will damage the structure and function of the ecosystem, endanger human and biological habitats, and ultimately lead to difficulties in achieving sustainable development. This study investigates the habitat quality effect of land use transition and analyzes the cause and mechanism of such changes from an economic–social–ecological complex system perspective in the Henan Water Source (HWS) area of the Middle Route of the South-to-North Water Transfer Project (MRP). The study comprehensively examines the characteristics of land use transition from 2000 to 2020. The results indicate that the habitat quality of the HWS area of the MRP decreased slowly over the past 20 years, with a more obvious decrease in the past 10 years. Specifically, the proportion of high quality habitat areas is relatively large and stable, and the medium and low quality habitat areas increase significantly. Analyzing the change degree of the proportion of different levels of habitat quality area in each county, revealed that Dengzhou City had the most dramatic change, followed by the Xichuan and Neixiang counties; other counties did not undergo obvious change. The results of habitat quality factor detection by GeoDetector showed that land use transition plays a decisive role in the change of habitat quality. The types of land use with high habitat suitability compared to those with low habitat suitability will inevitably lead to a decrease in habitat quality. Additionally, elevation, slope, landform type, and annual precipitation are important factors affecting the habitat quality in the HWS area of the MRP, indicating that ecological factors determine the background conditions of habitat quality. The gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, the proportion of agricultural output value, grain yield per unit area in economic factors, population density, and urbanization rate in social factors affect the spatial differentiation of habitat quality to a certain extent. Soil type, annual mean temperature, vegetation type, and NDVI index have weak effects on habitat quality, while road network density and slope aspect have no significant effect on habitat quality. The results of this study provide a basis for the improvement of habitat quality, ecosystem protection and restoration, land resource management, and related policies in the HWS area of the MRP. They also provide references for the research and practice of the habitat quality effects of land use transition in other regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Transitions under Rapid Urbanization)

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22 pages, 945 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Land Use Transitions and Farm Performance in China: A Perspective of Land Fragmentation

by Shukun Wang, Dengwang Li, Tingting Li and Changquan Liu

Land 2021, 10(8), 792; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10080792 - 28 Jul 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2344

Abstract

Land fragmentation (LF) is widespread worldwide and affects farmers’ decision-making and, thus, farm performance. We used detailed household survey data at the crop level from ten provinces in China to construct four LF indicators and six farm performance indicators. We ran a set [...] Read more.

Land fragmentation (LF) is widespread worldwide and affects farmers’ decision-making and, thus, farm performance. We used detailed household survey data at the crop level from ten provinces in China to construct four LF indicators and six farm performance indicators. We ran a set of regression models using OLS methods to analyse the relationship between LF and farm performance. The results showed that (1) LF increased the input of production material and labour costs; (2) LF reduced farmers’ purchasing of mechanical services and the efficiency of ploughing; and (3) LF may increase technical efficiency (this result, however, was not sufficiently robust and had no effect on yield). Generally speaking, LF was negatively related to farm performance. To improve farm performance, it is recommended that decision-makers speed up land transfer and land consolidation, stabilise land property rights, establish land-transfer intermediary organisations and promote large-scale production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Transitions under Rapid Urbanization)

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15 pages, 45698 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Measuring the Ecological Safety Effects of Land Use Transitions Promoted by Land Consolidation Projects: The Case of Yan’an City on the Loess Plateau of China

by Weilun Feng and Yurui Li

Land 2021, 10(8), 783; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10080783 - 26 Jul 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2360

Abstract

Land consolidation projects play an important role in promoting agricultural land use transitions, ensuring national food security, and accelerating the construction of ecological civilization. The Loess Plateau in China is a typical ecologically fragile area, where the Gully Land Consolidation Project (GLCP) has [...] Read more.

Land consolidation projects play an important role in promoting agricultural land use transitions, ensuring national food security, and accelerating the construction of ecological civilization. The Loess Plateau in China is a typical ecologically fragile area, where the Gully Land Consolidation Project (GLCP) has been implemented recently and had a major impact on local ecological safety. In this study, we established a quantitative evaluation model for ecological safety effects from the four aspects of dam safety, slope stability, efficient farmland, and effective management, and then scientifically measured the ecological safety effects of land use transitions promoted by land consolidation projects. Three small watersheds (Gutun, Yangjuangou and Luoping) within the GLCP area were employed to verify the evaluation model for ecological safety effects. The results showed that the GLCP can effectively improve the ecological environment and promote the development of modern agriculture, but the ecological safety of gullies and slopes in some areas may also facing a series of threats due to improper project management measures. Among them, Gutun had the highest ecological safety evaluation value, followed by Yangjuangou, while Luoping had the lowest value. The indicator system and evaluation method established in this research could be helpful to systematically diagnose the problems and scientifically guide the implementation of the GLCP from the perspective of ecological safety. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Transitions under Rapid Urbanization)

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19 pages, 3435 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Transition Mechanism and Revitalization Path of Rural Industrial Land from a Spatial Governance Perspective: The Case of Shunde District, China

by Lianma Zhang, Dazhuan Ge, Pan Sun and Dongqi Sun

Land 2021, 10(7), 746; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10070746 - 16 Jul 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2739

Abstract

The transition of rural industrial land has a critical role to play in rural revitalization. The study of rural spatial governance is an important starting point for analyzing the processes and exploring the paths through which the transition of rural industrial land takes [...] Read more.

The transition of rural industrial land has a critical role to play in rural revitalization. The study of rural spatial governance is an important starting point for analyzing the processes and exploring the paths through which the transition of rural industrial land takes place. This study takes the case of Shunde District, China, a typical semi-urbanized area, as its research object and constructs an analytical framework for rural industrial land transition based on spatial governance; it uses this case to conduct an analysis of the spatiotemporal processes and dilemmas involved in rural industrial land transition. Hengding Industrial Park is taken as a specific example to study how the processes and mechanisms involved in the transition of rural industrial land work in practice from a spatial governance perspective, and the path of rural revitalization based on rural spatial governance is discussed. The conclusions are as follows: (1) the fragmentation of rural space, the difficulty of renewing rural industrial land, the chaos of ownership, and the incomplete mechanism of the differentiation and game of multiple subjects, are the main obstacles in the process of rural industrial land transition in Shunde District; (2) since the 1990s, the rural industrial land dominant morphology—including quantity, structure, and so on—and the recessive morphology, including property rights, organizational systems, and input–output efficiency, have all undergone significant changes; (3) the comprehensive governance of rural space under the analytical framework of “matter-ownership-organization,” is an important starting point for analyzing the process of transition of rural industrial land. The “top-down” and “bottom-up” approaches, combining rural spatial governance strategy and the effective participation of multiple subjects, are important means of promoting the transition of rural industrial land; (4) rural spatial governance is conducive to promoting the transition of rural land use and the healthy development of rural space. The experience of semi-urbanized regions with rural revitalization is of vital significance for other regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Transitions under Rapid Urbanization)

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16 pages, 1405 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analyzing Characteristics and Implications of the Mortgage Default of Agricultural Land Management Rights in Recent China Based on 724 Court Decisions

by Hongguang Zheng and Zhanbin Zhang

Land 2021, 10(7), 729; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10070729 - 12 Jul 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2405

Abstract

The transfer of rural land contractual management rights belongs to the recessive transition of land use. The mortgage of rural land management rights is a way of rural land circulation, and has an important impact on the transformation of land use. Rural land [...] Read more.

The transfer of rural land contractual management rights belongs to the recessive transition of land use. The mortgage of rural land management rights is a way of rural land circulation, and has an important impact on the transformation of land use. Rural land management rights mortgage loans can enable farmers to obtain more credit funds, which is conducive to agricultural development and Rural Revitalization. However, with the development of rural land mortgage financing, the associated risk has become increasingly prominent. The most typical risk is the default risk of farmers’ mortgage loans. Based on court decisions regarding rural land mortgage default during 2014–2020, this paper analyzes the characteristics of farmers’ default in different periods and locations. The empirical results reveal that the time and space of rural land mortgage default cases are widely distributed in China, especially in Heilongjiang Province. In the default judgement, the loan amount of CNY 50,000 to CNY 100,000 and the loan periods of 1 year accounted for the highest proportion. When making mortgage loan policies for rural land management rights, financial institutions should give farmers the most preferential treatment regarding the amount, term and interest rate of loans. Farmers’ social security should be improved, and agricultural insurance should be strengthened. Meanwhile, the credit review of small and short-term loan farmers should be heightened. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Transitions under Rapid Urbanization)

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26 pages, 4534 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Scale Transition and Structure–Function Synergy Differentiation of Rural Residential Land: A Dimensionality Reduction Transmission Process from Macro to Micro Scale

by Yanbo Qu, Xiaozhen Dong, Lingyun Zhan, Hongyun Si, Zongli Ping and Weiya Zhu

Land 2021, 10(6), 647; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10060647 - 17 Jun 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2258

Abstract

In order to enhance the scientific understanding of the transition law of rural residential areas and enrich the theory and method system of land use transition research, this article takes Shandong Province as an example and constructs a comprehensive research framework of rural [...] Read more.

In order to enhance the scientific understanding of the transition law of rural residential areas and enrich the theory and method system of land use transition research, this article takes Shandong Province as an example and constructs a comprehensive research framework of rural residential land scale, structure, and function from the perspective of the combination of the macro and micro scales based on differences between the rural residential areas in the region and the village scale forms. Using model quantitative analysis and horizontal comparative analysis methods, this paper explores the process characteristics of rural residential land use scale transition and the corresponding stage differentiation law of spatial structure and system function. Research has shown that the stage characteristics of the scale transition of rural residential land use in Shandong Province in the past 10 years are significant. The five transition stages—from the primary stage, low stage, intermediate stage, advanced stage, to the stable stage—show obvious spatial agglomeration and spatial autocorrelation, which are mainly driven by the positive and negative interactions of economic development, the policy environment, natural conditions, and population. With the gradual upgrading of the land use scale transition in rural residential areas, the spatial pattern of rural residential areas has been continuously optimized, the land use structure has tended to be balanced and complicated, and the living-production-ecological function as a whole has been strengthened. The essence of this type of differentiation is the differential performance of rural residential areas adapting their own conditions to the external environment. The transition of the rural residential area from the macro to the micro scale is also the process of realizing rural reconstruction and rural revitalization. In the future, under the framework of the “element–structure–function” system of rural residential areas, the rural transition and development should be continuously promoted through the support, organization, guidance, and promotion mechanisms of internal and external factors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Transitions under Rapid Urbanization)

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27 pages, 2819 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Urban Land Use Transitions and the Economic Spatial Spillovers of Central Cities in China’s Urban Agglomerations

by Hui Li, Kunqiu Chen, Lei Yan, Yulin Zhu, Liuwen Liao and Yangle Chen

Land 2021, 10(6), 644; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10060644 - 17 Jun 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2543

Abstract

Urbanization and land use transformation are typical characteristics of China in recent decades. Studying the effects of urban land use transitions (ULUT) on the economic spatial spillovers of central cities (ESSCC) can provide a reference for China to optimize cities’ land space layout [...] Read more.

Urbanization and land use transformation are typical characteristics of China in recent decades. Studying the effects of urban land use transitions (ULUT) on the economic spatial spillovers of central cities (ESSCC) can provide a reference for China to optimize cities’ land space layout and promote their coordinated development. Based on the direct and indirect effects of ULUT in central cities on the production factors and economic growth in other cities, this paper reveals the mechanisms underlying the influence of ULUT on ESSCC. Then, we usethe expanded geographical distance-weighted spatial Durbin model with the panel data of 152 Chinese urban agglomeration cities from 2003 to 2016 to empirically test it. The results show that, since 2003, the rate of urban land expansions, the level of urban land intensive use (ULIU), the degree of land marketization, and the urban land prices in China have increased substantially; and the proportionate supplies of industrial land, commercial land, and residential land have decreased. Moreover, ULUT between cities have significant spatial autocorrelations. The current ULUT have positive but small effects on ESSCC. Among them, ULIU has the greatest promotion effects on ESSCC. The impacts of ULUT on ESSCC vary greatly among urban agglomerations. The ULUT in central cities indirectly enhance the ESSCC, which mainly depend on the positive effects of ULUT on enterprise investment, infrastructure investment, labor and technological efficiency and the spatial spread effects of these production factors. This is the main intermediate mechanism by which the ULUT in central cities enhance the ESSCC. Continuing to strengthen ULIU, promote the improvement of land marketization, and establish and improve the coordination mechanism for the economic development of urban agglomerations will help to strengthen the ESSCC in urban agglomerations. The results provide evidence for how the Chinese government can enhance the ESSCC and promote the coordinated development of cities through ULUT under new urbanization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Transitions under Rapid Urbanization)

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21 pages, 1395 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Livelihood Capital and Land Transfer of Different Types of Farmers: Evidence from Panel Data in Sichuan Province, China

by Huanxin Yang, Kai Huang, Xin Deng and Dingde Xu

Land 2021, 10(5), 532; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10050532 - 17 May 2021

Cited by 54 | Viewed by 4354

Abstract

Farmers’ livelihood and land have been the focus of academic and political attention for a long time. In the process of rapid urbanization in China, as farmers change their livelihood strategies and livelihood capital allocation driven by economic interests, farmland abandonment increases, which [...] Read more.

Farmers’ livelihood and land have been the focus of academic and political attention for a long time. In the process of rapid urbanization in China, as farmers change their livelihood strategies and livelihood capital allocation driven by economic interests, farmland abandonment increases, which is not conducive to the guarantee of food security. This study aims to explore the characteristics of livelihood capital and land transfer of farmers under different livelihood strategies and the effect of livelihood capital on land transfer. Based on the data obtained from Sichuan Province in 2012, 2016 and 2019 by the China Rural Development Survey Group, this paper divides farmers into pure farmers, part-time farmers and non-farmers according to the proportion of non-agricultural income in total income, and constructed the panel binary Logit model and panel Tobit model. The analysis points to the following results: (1) pure farmers tend to shift other capitals toward natural capital, so their livelihood capital total index value decreased. The part-time farmers have different shift characteristics but their livelihood capital total index value both increased first and then decreased. Non-farmers tend to shift natural capital towards other livelihood capitals, so their livelihood capital total index value increased. (2) The higher the natural capital and human capital, the higher the probability of land transfers in. The higher the natural capital, the larger the area of land transfers in. The higher the financial capital, the higher the probability of land transfers out. The higher the financial capital and social capital, the larger the area of land transfers out. It is expected to provide suggestions for the policy of farmers’ land transfer under different livelihood capital endowments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Transitions under Rapid Urbanization)

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22 pages, 6988 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Measuring the Impact of the Multiple Cropping Index of Cultivated Land during Continuous and Rapid Rise of Urbanization in China: A Study from 2000 to 2015

by Ren Yang, Xiuli Luo, Qian Xu, Xin Zhang and Jiapei Wu

Land 2021, 10(5), 491; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10050491 - 06 May 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 11406

Abstract

With the continuous and rapid rise of urbanization in China, land use transition research has been carried out extensively. Multiple cropping is the content of land use recessive morphology research, and it is also a common agricultural system in China. Accordingly, further research [...] Read more.

With the continuous and rapid rise of urbanization in China, land use transition research has been carried out extensively. Multiple cropping is the content of land use recessive morphology research, and it is also a common agricultural system in China. Accordingly, further research on multiple cropping index (MCI) can enrich the land use transition research and help to evaluate China’s food security. In order to examine the spatiotemporal changes and factors influencing the MCI of cultivated land in China, we collected MODIS remote sensing image data and land use classification data and conducted a remote sensing inversion on China’s MCI from 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2015. The spatial distributions and evolution processes of the MCI were explored through spatial mapping, statistical analysis, and processing with the Geographic Information System; moreover, the influencing factors of MCI were explored quantitatively with principal component regression. The results were as follows: (1) at the provincial scale, the average MCI across Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Henan, Anhui, and Jiangsu was high; meanwhile, the average MCI across Heilongjiang, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, and Qinghai was low. Between 2000 and 2015, the number of provinces with low MCI increased gradually, and the average MCI decreased greatly in the southern provinces. (2) At the county scale, the Taihang Mountains, Qinling Mountains, and Hengduan Mountains formed the boundary of China’s single cropping and multiple cropping indices. Dynamic changes in China’s MCI were obvious, and the number of counties with MCI change values lower than 0 increased gradually. Last, (3) natural conditions, nonagricultural process, cultivated land quality, and agricultural intensification demonstrated different degrees of impact on the MCI; in particular, the influence of nonagricultural industries, pesticides, and agricultural plastic film on the MCI proved especially important. Future research should strengthen the existing work on related transformations in farmers’ livelihoods, especially in terms of the return of rural labor force, the body of agricultural production, agricultural ecological issues, and the balance between increased crop production and reduced environmental pollution. In addition, agricultural policy design should pay more attention to cultivated land quality, the farmer who cultivates the land, and the multiple cropping potential of cultivated land. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Transitions under Rapid Urbanization)

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20 pages, 1091 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Farmland Transfer on Rural Households’ Income Structure in the Context of Household Differentiation: A Case Study of Heilongjiang Province, China

by Lili Chen, Hongsheng Chen, Chaohui Zou and Ye Liu

Land 2021, 10(4), 362; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10040362 - 01 Apr 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 2826

Abstract

Farmland transfer is an important factor affecting rural households’ income and sustainable development of rural areas in developing countries. However, recent studies have reached controversial conclusions on how farmland transfer affects rural households’ income because of ignoring the household differentiation and the difference [...] Read more.

Farmland transfer is an important factor affecting rural households’ income and sustainable development of rural areas in developing countries. However, recent studies have reached controversial conclusions on how farmland transfer affects rural households’ income because of ignoring the household differentiation and the difference in the impacts of farmland transfer-in and transfer-out on the income structure. Taking the Heilongjiang province, the major cereal production area in China, as the study area, the paper aims to estimate the impacts of farmland transfer-in or transfer-out of different rural households on income structure based on the Propensity Score Matching (PSM) model. Results showed that the total income of all rural households transferring-in farmland increased significantly while the income decreased after transferring-out farmland, and I part-time households have the largest increase, followed by pure-agricultural households and II part-time households, whereas I part-time households has the smallest reduction, followed by pure-agricultural households and II part-time households. Because the increase in the agricultural income and subsidies was greater than the decrease in the outworking income for I part-time households transferring-in farmland, while the outworking income not increasing but decreasing when II part-time households transferring-out farmland. We can conclude that (1) encouraging pure-agricultural and I part-time households to transfer farmland in and II part-time households to transfer out of farmland, and develop mutual assistance for the aged in rural areas should be strengthened. (2) Improving the farmland transfer market and promoting non-agricultural employment of surplus-labor need to be synchronized. (3) Agricultural subsidies should be provided to cultivators. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Transitions under Rapid Urbanization)

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16 pages, 9626 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Farmland Use Transition in a Typical Farming Area: The Case of Sihong County in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain of China

by Ligang Lyu, Zhoubing Gao, Hualou Long, Xiaorui Wang and Yeting Fan

Land 2021, 10(4), 347; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10040347 - 31 Mar 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 2620

Abstract

An in-depth exploration of the dynamics and existing problems in farmland morphology is crucial to formulate targeted protection policies. In this study, we constructed a morphological evaluation index system to identify the characteristics of farmland use transition in Sihong County of the Huang-Huai-Hai [...] Read more.

An in-depth exploration of the dynamics and existing problems in farmland morphology is crucial to formulate targeted protection policies. In this study, we constructed a morphological evaluation index system to identify the characteristics of farmland use transition in Sihong County of the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain, China. The dominant morphology in terms of area and landscape pattern and the recessive morphology focusing on function were considered in this work. Based on this information, the driving factors of farmland use transition were quantitatively analyzed via the mixed regression model. The following major findings were determined: (1) The area showed a U-shaped change trend during 2009–2018. The patch density (PD) showed an upward trend, and the mean patch size (MPS) showed a downward trend, indicating that the degree of farmland fragmentation increased. The implementation of land consolidation projects increased the area and aggregation of farmland, while urbanization and road construction occupied and divided the farmland, leading to a reduction in area and increase in the degree of fragmentation. (2) The crop production, living security, and eco-environmental function of farmland showed a trend of first decreasing and then increasing. Urbanization increased the demand for agricultural products and the degree of large-scale agricultural production and had a positive impact on the crop production and eco-environmental function of farmland. Our research highlights that increasing farmland fragmentation should be addressed in the farming area. Therefore, the government should formulate efficient policies to curb farmland occupation for urban and traffic utilization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Transitions under Rapid Urbanization)

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28 pages, 3138 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Rural-Spatial Restructuring Promoted by Land-Use Transitions: A Case Study of Zhulin Town in Central China

by Dong Han, Jiajun Qiao and Qiankun Zhu

Land 2021, 10(3), 234; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10030234 - 25 Feb 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2363

Abstract

Rural-spatial restructuring involves the spatial mapping of the current rural development process. The transformation of land-use morphologies, directly or indirectly, affects the practice of rural restructuring. Analyzing this process in terms of the dominant morphology and recessive morphology is helpful for better grasping [...] Read more.

Rural-spatial restructuring involves the spatial mapping of the current rural development process. The transformation of land-use morphologies, directly or indirectly, affects the practice of rural restructuring. Analyzing this process in terms of the dominant morphology and recessive morphology is helpful for better grasping the overall picture of rural-spatial restructuring. Accordingly, this paper took Zhulin Town in Central China as a case study area. We propose a method for studying rural-spatial restructuring based on changes in the dominant and recessive morphologies of land use. This process was realized by analyzing the distribution and functional suitability of ecological-production-living (EPL) spaces based on land-use types, data on land-use changes obtained over a 30-year observation period, and in-depth research. We found that examining rural-spatial restructuring by matching the distribution of EPL spaces with their functional suitability can help to avoid the misjudgment of the restructuring mode caused by the consideration of the distribution and structural changes in quantity, facilitating greater understanding of the process of rural-spatial restructuring. Although the distribution and quantitative structure of Zhulin’s EPL spaces have changed to differing degrees, ecological- and agricultural-production spaces still predominate, and their functional suitability has gradually increased. The spatial distribution and functional suitability of Zhulin are generally well matched, with 62.5% of the matched types being high-quality growth, and the positive effect of Zhulin’s spatial restructuring over the past 30 years has been significant. We found that combining changes in EPL spatial area and quantity as well as changes in functional suitability is helpful in better understanding the impact of the national macro-policy shift regarding rural development. Sustaining the positive spatial restructuring of rural space requires the timely adjustment of local actors in accordance with the needs of macroeconomic and social development, and a good rural-governance model is essential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Transitions under Rapid Urbanization)

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18 pages, 5618 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Land-Use Transition of Tourist Villages in the Metropolitan Suburbs and Its Driving Forces: A Case Study of She Village in Nanjing City, China

by Yibei Chai, Weifeng Qiao, Yi Hu, Tianqi He, Kaiyang Jia, Ting Feng and Yahua Wang

Land 2021, 10(2), 168; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10020168 - 06 Feb 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3122

Abstract

In the context of the transition from “Native-rural China” to “Urban-rural China”, suburban villages have undergone rapid reconstruction of format, industry, and function. Aiming to reveal the evolution characteristics and driving forces, this study selected She Village, located in suburban areas of Nanjing, [...] Read more.

In the context of the transition from “Native-rural China” to “Urban-rural China”, suburban villages have undergone rapid reconstruction of format, industry, and function. Aiming to reveal the evolution characteristics and driving forces, this study selected She Village, located in suburban areas of Nanjing, to analyze the changes of both dominant and recessive morphology of land use by employing participatory rural appraisal, remote sensing, and geographic information systems. The results showed that She Village witnessed three stages, including industrial development, ecological restoration, and service industry development, from 1980 to 2018, with more diversified management modes, multifunctional land use, and intensified land fragmentation. The drivers included natural resources, population growth, policy of Grain for Green, urban market demand, etc., the intensity of which showed trends of “increase–increase–increase”, “increase–decrease–decrease”, “periodically intermittent”, and “increase–decrease–increase” in turn. The tourist villages undergo three stages of industrial development, agricultural development, and service industry development, with periodical characteristics driven by top-down policies, the endogenous force of the village, and the radiation and diffusion of the city. This research deepens the understanding of the development process of suburban villages and provides a reference for land policy making and planning in other similar villages. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Transitions under Rapid Urbanization)

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20 pages, 2156 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Farmland Transitions in China: An Advocacy Coalition Approach

by Xiaoping Zhou, Xiaotian Li, Wei Song, Xiangbin Kong and Xiao Lu

Land 2021, 10(2), 122; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10020122 - 27 Jan 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4033

Abstract

In recent decades, global social and economic development has resulted in substantial land-use transitions. This was first observed with respect to losses of forested land, attracting worldwide concern. Forest transitions have an important impact on global ecology, whilst farmland transitions are key in [...] Read more.

In recent decades, global social and economic development has resulted in substantial land-use transitions. This was first observed with respect to losses of forested land, attracting worldwide concern. Forest transitions have an important impact on global ecology, whilst farmland transitions are key in terms of global food security. However, research into farmland transitions is lacking, particularly with respect to mechanistic analysis. Using data on China’s farmland areas between 1950 and 2017, we investigated the transitional characteristics, and triggers, of farmland change through linear regression analysis. Furthermore, based on the Advocacy Coalition Framework, we reveal the internal mechanism of these transitions. Our main findings are as follows: (1) between 1950 and 2017, China’s farmland area exhibited significant growth, and there were two transitions, namely in 1984 and 2004; (2) macroscopic economic and social changes determine the overall evolution of the farmland area; (3) there were two advocacy coalitions in the farmland transition policy subsystem—the farmland supplement and farmland consumption coalitions; (4) under the influence of macroscopic economic and social development, external events play a catalytic role in the transitions, and relatively stable parameters have an indirect but lasting effect in terms of transition outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Transitions under Rapid Urbanization)

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19 pages, 12209 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cultivated Land Use Layout Adjustment Based on Crop Planting Suitability: A Case Study of Typical Counties in Northeast China

by Ge Song and Hongmei Zhang

Land 2021, 10(2), 107; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10020107 - 23 Jan 2021

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 3712

Abstract

Cultivated land use layout adjustment (CLULA) based on crop planting suitability is the refinement and deepening of land use transformation, which is of great significance for optimizing the allocation of cultivated land resources and ensuring food security. At present, people rarely consider the [...] Read more.

Cultivated land use layout adjustment (CLULA) based on crop planting suitability is the refinement and deepening of land use transformation, which is of great significance for optimizing the allocation of cultivated land resources and ensuring food security. At present, people rarely consider the land suitability of crops when using cultivated land, resulting in an imbalance between crop distribution and resource conditions such as water, heat, and soil, and adversely affects the ecological security and utilization efficiency of cultivated land. To alleviate China’s grain planting structural imbalance and efficiency loss, this paper based on the planting suitability of main food crops (rice, soybean, and maize) to adjust and optimize the cultivated land use layout (CLUL) in the typical counties of the main grain production area in Northeast China, using the agent-based model for optimal land allocation (AgentLA) and GIS technology. Findings from the study show that: (1) The planting suitability of rice, soybean, and maize in the region is obviously different. Among them, the suitability level of soybean and maize is high, and that of rice is low. The current CLUL of the food crops needs to be further optimized and adjusted. (2) By optimizing the layout of rice, soybean, and maize, the planting suitability level of the food crops and the concentration level of the CLUL spatial pattern have been improved. (3) The plan for CLULA is formulated: The study area is divided into rice stable production area, maize-soybean rotation area, maize dominant area, and soybean dominant area, and town or village is identified as the implementation unit of CLULA. The plan for CLULA will be conducive to the concentrated farming of food crops according to the suitable natural conditions and management level. The research realized the optimization of spatial structure and cultivated land use patterns of different food crops integrating farming with protecting land. The significance of the study is that it provides a scientific basis and guidance for adjusting the regional planting structure and solving the problem of food structural imbalance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Transitions under Rapid Urbanization)

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24 pages, 3047 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatially Explicit Evaluation and Driving Factor Identification of Land Use Conflict in Yangtze River Economic Belt

by Jiaxing Cui, Xuesong Kong, Jing Chen, Jianwei Sun and Yuanyuan Zhu

Land 2021, 10(1), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10010043 - 05 Jan 2021

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 3324

Abstract

Regional land use transitions driven by the adaptive reconciliation of existing land use conflict with socioeconomic development can lead to positive economic effects as well as new land use conflict. Although research on land use transition has progressed considerably, limited studies have explored [...] Read more.

Regional land use transitions driven by the adaptive reconciliation of existing land use conflict with socioeconomic development can lead to positive economic effects as well as new land use conflict. Although research on land use transition has progressed considerably, limited studies have explored the spatiotemporal dynamic pattern of land use conflict during the land use transition period. Previous evaluation approaches on land use conflict that mainly focus on status or potential conflict lack conflict intensity evaluation during the land use transition process. A new spatially explicit evaluation framework of land use conflict that directly examines three aspects of conflict, namely, ecological and agricultural (EAC), agricultural and construction (ACC), and ecological and construction (ECC) land conflicts based on ecological quality and agricultural suitability, is proposed in this study. The spatiotemporal dynamic pattern and driving factors of land use conflict in the Yangtze River Economic Belt of China in the period of 2000–2018 are evaluated. The results indicated that comprehensive land use conflict (CLUC) intensity slightly decreased by 9.91% and its barycenter showed a trend toward the west during 2000–2018. ACC is the most drastic conflict among the three aspects of conflict. The mean intensity of ACC reduced remarkably by 38.26%, while EAC increased by 33.15% and ECC increased by 28.28% during the research periods. The barycenter of EAC moved toward the east while the barycenter of ACC and ECC moved toward the west. The changes in the intensity and spreading pattern of land use conflict indices demonstrated the changes in the pattern of territorial space development. Total population, population density, per capita GDP, number of mobile phone users, and road density were strong drivers that influenced the land use conflict of territorial space. Multiple policy recommendations including improving territorial space planning and governance ability, and improving land use efficiency, were proposed to manage and resolve the land use conflict of territorial space. The results and conclusions of this study will help improve future regional land use policies and reduce land use conflict. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Transitions under Rapid Urbanization)

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27 pages, 44873 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Recessive Transition Mechanism of Arable Land Use Based on the Perspective of Coupling Coordination of Input–Output: A Case Study of 31 Provinces in China

by Yi Lou, Guanyi Yin, Yue Xin, Shuai Xie, Guanghao Li, Shuang Liu and Xiaoming Wang

Land 2021, 10(1), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10010041 - 05 Jan 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2989

Abstract

In the rapid process of urbanization in China, arable land resources are faced with dual challenges in terms of quantity and quality. Starting with the change in the coupling coordination relationship between the input and output on arable land, this study applies an [...] Read more.

In the rapid process of urbanization in China, arable land resources are faced with dual challenges in terms of quantity and quality. Starting with the change in the coupling coordination relationship between the input and output on arable land, this study applies an evaluation model of the degree of coupling coordination between the input and output (D_CCIO) on arable land and deeply analyzes the recessive transition mechanism and internal differences in arable land use modes in 31 provinces on mainland China. The results show that the total amount and the amount per unit area of the input and output on arable land in China have presented different spatio-temporal trends, along with the mismatched movement of the spatial barycenter. Although the D_CCIO on arable land increases slowly as a whole, 31 provinces show different recessive transition mechanisms of arable land use, which is hidden in the internal changes in the input–output structure. The results of this study highlight the different recessive transition patterns of arable land use in different provinces of China, which points to the outlook for higher technical input, optimized planting structure, and the coordination of human-land relationships. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Transitions under Rapid Urbanization)

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24 pages, 5129 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatio-Temporal Evolution of Land Use Transition and Its Eco-Environmental Effects: A Case Study of the Yellow River Basin, China

by Dengyu Yin, Xiaoshun Li, Guie Li, Jian Zhang and Haochen Yu

Land 2020, 9(12), 514; https://doi.org/10.3390/land9120514 - 11 Dec 2020

Cited by 46 | Viewed by 3882

Abstract

Human activities and environmental deterioration have resulted in land use transition (LUT), which seriously affects the ecosystem service value (ESV) of its region. Therefore, relevant policy measures are urgently needed. Nevertheless, research on the relationships between LUTs and ESVs from the overall watershed [...] Read more.

Human activities and environmental deterioration have resulted in land use transition (LUT), which seriously affects the ecosystem service value (ESV) of its region. Therefore, relevant policy measures are urgently needed. Nevertheless, research on the relationships between LUTs and ESVs from the overall watershed scale is lacking. Thus, the geo-information Tupu method was applied to analyze the dynamic patterns of LUT based on land use data from 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2018 of the Yellow River Basin (YRB). Then, a newly revised ecosystem services calculation method was utilized to the responses of ESV to LUTs. The results indicated that the Tupu units of the LUT were mainly based on the mutual transformation of grassland and unused land, and cultivated land and forestland, which were widely distributed in the upper and middle reaches of the basin. The spatial distribution was concentrated, and the expansion’s trend was also obvious. Moreover, the conversion of cultivated land into construction land was mainly distributed in the lower reaches of the basin. During 1990–2018, the total ESV fluctuated and increased (+10.47 × 10⁸ USD) in the YRB. Thereinto, the ESV of grassland (45%) and forestland (30%) made the greatest contribution to the total ESV. As for different reaches, the ESV increased in the upstream, but decreased in the midstream and the downstream. In terms of contribution rate, the conversion of unused land into grassland (12.477%) and grassland into forestland (9.856%) were the main types to enhance the ESV in the YRB, while the conversion of forestland into grassland (−8.047%) and grassland to unused land (−7.358%) were the main types to reduce the ESV. Furthermore, the range of ecological appreciation zones was widely distributed and scattered, while the range of ecological impairment zones was gradually expanded. These findings could have theoretical support and policy implications for land use planning and environmental services in the YRB. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Transitions under Rapid Urbanization)

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15 pages, 1425 KiB

Open AccessArticle

What Role(s) Do Village Committees Play in the Withdrawal from Rural Homesteads? Evidence from Sichuan Province in Western China

by Peng Tang, Jing Chen, Jinlong Gao, Min Li and Jinshuo Wang

Land 2020, 9(12), 477; https://doi.org/10.3390/land9120477 - 27 Nov 2020

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 5726

Abstract

Village committees, as grassroots spontaneously formed by rural collective members in China’s hierarchy system, play an irreplaceable role in the management of rural public affairs. Based on the filed survey dataset taken from three pilot counties/districts in Sichuan province, we explored the significant [...] Read more.

Village committees, as grassroots spontaneously formed by rural collective members in China’s hierarchy system, play an irreplaceable role in the management of rural public affairs. Based on the filed survey dataset taken from three pilot counties/districts in Sichuan province, we explored the significant role that village committees played in farmers’ withdrawal from rural homesteads (WRH). Our empirical results, according to binary logistic regression (BLR) modelling, indicated that the WRH was significantly affected by the triple roles of village committees, among which information intermediary was the most effective followed by the trust builder and then the coordinated manager. Firstly, village committees’ involvement facilitated the WRH by improving policy transparency and decreasing information cost. Secondly, the depth of village committees’ participation (i.e., being involved in multiple phases) positively affected the WRH given its signification of the participation of farmers. Whereas the breadth of participation (i.e., considering various demands of different participants) negatively affected the process of WRH by reducing the decision-making efficiency. Thirdly, farmers’ trust in institutions played a positive role in the WRH, but their confidence in village cadres had limited impact. We therefore argue that promising village committees should act as “all-round stewards” in the decision-making of rural households, which not only includes the transmit of information between those above and those below, but also needs to actively strive for farmers’ trust by letting their voice heard. Based on our empirical findings, this paper finally proposed some policy suggestions, such as strengthening mutual communication, empowerment of rural grassroots, encouraging farmers’ participation and improving formal institutions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Transitions under Rapid Urbanization)

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22 pages, 3619 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Green Transition of Cultivated Land Use in the Yellow River Basin: A Perspective of Green Utilization Efficiency Evaluation

by Xiao Lu, Yi Qu, Piling Sun, Wei Yu and Wenlong Peng

Land 2020, 9(12), 475; https://doi.org/10.3390/land9120475 - 27 Nov 2020

Cited by 58 | Viewed by 3467

Abstract

Exploring the green transition of cultivated land use from the perspective of green utilization efficiency evaluation has become an important content of deepening the study of cultivated land use transition, which is of great significance to promote food security and ecological civilization construction. [...] Read more.

Exploring the green transition of cultivated land use from the perspective of green utilization efficiency evaluation has become an important content of deepening the study of cultivated land use transition, which is of great significance to promote food security and ecological civilization construction. At present, there are few studies on the green utilization efficiency of cultivated land (GUECL), which covers the comprehensive benefits of economy, ecology and society, combined with the requirements of ecological civilization and green development. Taking 65 cities (regions and autonomous prefectures) of the Yellow River Basin as the basic evaluation unit, the GUECL of the Yellow River Basin is evaluated with a Super-SBM model. In general, the GUECL of the Yellow River Basin was not high at four time points of 2000, 2006, 2012 and 2018, which presents a trend of “rising first and then falling”. Analyzing its temporal and spatial evolution pattern, the GUECL in the upper, middle and lower reaches presented an order of the upper reaches area > the lower reaches area > the middle reaches area; and the spatial variation trend showed a decrease from west to east, and a U-shaped change in the south-north direction. Using spatial correlation analysis, except for the year 2000, the GUECL in the Yellow River Basin presents a general distribution characteristic of spatial agglomeration, which is positively correlated in 2006, 2012 and 2018. The change of spatio-temporal pattern is the result of internal and external factors. The former mainly displays in the main characteristics of farmers, family characteristics and farmers’ cognition, while the latter is reflected in natural, social and policy factors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Transitions under Rapid Urbanization)

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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

20 pages, 2202 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Land Use Transitions: Progress, Challenges and Prospects

by Hualou Long, Yingnan Zhang, Li Ma and Shuangshuang Tu

Land 2021, 10(9), 903; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10090903 - 27 Aug 2021

Cited by 87 | Viewed by 10305

Abstract

The study of land use transition has generally become an important breakthrough point to deeply understand the human-land interaction and reveal major socio-economic development issues and related environmental effects. Attempting to provide scientific support for sustainable land use and environmental management, this review [...] Read more.

The study of land use transition has generally become an important breakthrough point to deeply understand the human-land interaction and reveal major socio-economic development issues and related environmental effects. Attempting to provide scientific support for sustainable land use and environmental management, this review systematically analyzes the overall picture, development trends, key fields and hot topics of land use transition research in the past two decades from a comprehensive perspective, which incorporates two complementary parts including the systematic quantitative literature review (based on CiteSpace) and the traditional literature review. The results reveal that: a. current research presents three characteristics, i.e., focusing on complex social issues, driven by realistic demand, and research branches becoming clearer and more systematic; b. there are four key fields and hot topics in land use transition research, i.e., i. theories and hypothesis of land use transition; ii. measuring land use transition; iii. the impacts of land use transition on “social-economic-ecological” system; iv. drivers and regulation of land use transition. However, challenges remain, current land use transition research is still to some extent fragmented, and it should be enriched by integrating with land system science. The dominant morphology biased should be redressed by underlining the recessive morphology transition process. Meanwhile, new techniques and methods are necessary to observe, track, monitor and model the recessive attributes. Finally, distant drivers of land use transition should not be ignored in this rapidly globalizing world. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use Transitions under Rapid Urbanization)

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