Editorial

7 pages, 182 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Rethinking Man–Land Relations in China: A Multidisciplinary Perspective

by Li Ma, Yingnan Zhang, Muye Gan and Zhengying Shan

Land 2023, 12(8), 1606; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12081606 - 15 Aug 2023

Viewed by 679

Land constitutes a fundamental natural asset, vital for the sustenance, advancement, and ecological balance of human civilization [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rethinking the Man-Land Relations in China)

Research

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15 pages, 5754 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Assessing the Rural–Urban Transition of China during 1980–2020 from a Coordination Perspective

by Shiwei Zhang, Jinghui Zhao, Yanfeng Jiang, Ali Cheshmehzangi and Wenbin Zhou

Land 2023, 12(6), 1175; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12061175 - 01 Jun 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1880

Abstract

Under the context of global rapid urbanization, exploring the dynamics of rural–urban transition in China can provide valuable experience for the Global South. In this study, we evaluate the rural–urban transition in China, from 1980 to 2020, based on socioeconomic data and a [...] Read more.

Under the context of global rapid urbanization, exploring the dynamics of rural–urban transition in China can provide valuable experience for the Global South. In this study, we evaluate the rural–urban transition in China, from 1980 to 2020, based on socioeconomic data and a rural–urban transition coordination model by constructing a rural–urban development and integration index system. We identify the state and transition types, and we present optimization paths. The results show that, since the reform and opening-up, the rural–urban development index (URDI) in China has gradually expanded among regions while the rural–urban integrated index (URII) has experienced a trend of decline followed by an increase. Over the past 40 years, the spatial distribution characteristics of the ΔURDI have been “south high–north low”, while the ΔURII has had a balanced spatial distribution. Over the first two decades of the past 40 years, the rural–urban transition in eastern coastal China was more coordinated, while regions with less coordination showed a two-tiered distribution pattern; over the last two decades, the coordination degree has increased. Over the past 40 years, the spatial distribution of high coordination presents “T-shaped” coastal and riverside characteristics. The transition types and coupling relationships of state regions are identified. Finally, optimization pathways are proposed for each type to further promote rural–urban integration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rethinking the Man-Land Relations in China)

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23 pages, 6753 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on Production–Living–Ecological Function Accounting and Management in China

by Nairong Tan, Xiaoying Chang and Tao Ma

Land 2023, 12(6), 1163; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12061163 - 31 May 2023

Viewed by 966

Abstract

The current insufficient quantification and evaluation of major functions fundamentally affected regional sustainable management and policy implementation. This study focused on the problem that no effective quantitative accounting relationship has been established between development activities and resource utilization. In order to establish the [...] Read more.

The current insufficient quantification and evaluation of major functions fundamentally affected regional sustainable management and policy implementation. This study focused on the problem that no effective quantitative accounting relationship has been established between development activities and resource utilization. In order to establish the relationship between major function accounting and natural resource accounting, we analyzed the relevant studies on the evaluation of major functions, natural resource accounting, environmental accounting, ecosystem services, and assets accounting. The efficiency comparison of different functions was completed using the equivalent factor method for ecosystem service value measurement and the input–output method for water footprint measurement. We found that the accounting of major functions and resources can guide regional sustainable management by using function positioning and resource comparative advantages. In addition, administrative units were linked to functional units, providing the possibility of cross-regional comparison of total functional resources, efficiency, and structure of major functions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rethinking the Man-Land Relations in China)

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20 pages, 15975 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Coupling and Coordination Relationship between Urbanization Quality and Ecosystem Services in the Upper Yellow River: A Case Study of the Lanzhou–Xining Urban Agglomeration, China

by Wusheng Zhao, Peiji Shi, Ya Wan and Yan Yao

Land 2023, 12(5), 1085; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12051085 - 18 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1112

Abstract

The study of the man–land relationship in the urbanization process is the current frontier and focus of international research. How to balance urban development and ecosystem conservation in the Upper Yellow River is a key issue for sustainable development in China. In this [...] Read more.

The study of the man–land relationship in the urbanization process is the current frontier and focus of international research. How to balance urban development and ecosystem conservation in the Upper Yellow River is a key issue for sustainable development in China. In this study, we evaluated the Lanzhou–Xining urban agglomeration (LXUA) by constructing a multi-dimensional assessment system for urbanization quality and ecosystem services. The efficacy function model, entropy weight method, and Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST) model were used to quantitatively assess the subsystems’ state of development. Then, the coupling model (CD) and the coordination degree (CCD) model were used to explore the coupling coordination relationship and spatial-temporal change characteristics of the composite system. The findings indicate that: (1) In 2020, the quality of urbanization in the LXUA showed the pattern of “double core”. The development of urban centers in each city is insufficient, and the proportion of counties with a low level is too high. (2) Integrated ecosystem services showed an increasing distribution pattern from the northeast to the southwest. Water provision services, soil conservation services and carbon fixation services all showed growth trends. (3) Each county’s composite system was in the run-in stage or highly coupled stage. The subsystems were closely related to each other. (4) The CCD was decreased by 6% between two decades. The number of counties on the verge of disorder was the highest. About 80% of the counties were relatively lagging behind in ecosystem services. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rethinking the Man-Land Relations in China)

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18 pages, 4185 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Rural Transformation Development and Its Influencing Factors in China’s Poverty-Stricken Areas: A Case Study of Yanshan-Taihang Mountains

by Yuanzhi Guo and Wenyue Zhong

Land 2023, 12(5), 1080; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12051080 - 17 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1648

Abstract

Rural China has undergone a rapid transformation in the past few decades, especially the poverty-stricken areas, making a historic leap from inadequate subsistence to full well-off status. Based on rural regional system theory, this study analyzes the connotation of rural transformation development (RTD), [...] Read more.

Rural China has undergone a rapid transformation in the past few decades, especially the poverty-stricken areas, making a historic leap from inadequate subsistence to full well-off status. Based on rural regional system theory, this study analyzes the connotation of rural transformation development (RTD), explores the spatio-temporal patterns of RTD in the Yanshan-Taihang Mountainous, and diagnoses its influencing factors using a geographically and temporally weighted regression model. The results show that RTD is a dynamic process of qualitative changes in rural regional systems based on the accumulation of quantitative changes of elements, and the key to its measurement lies in analyzing the coupling coordination degree between quantitative changes of elements. From 2000 to 2020, the rapid development of urban population share, non-agricultural industry share, construction land share and NDVI in the Yanshan-Taihang Mountains contributed to a leap in RTD status, and the proportion of counties in a coupling coordination state increased from 24.24% to 96.97%. Spatially, the RTD level in the Taihang Mountains was significantly superior to that in the Yanshan Mountains. Average years of schooling, road density, per capita GDP and urban–rural dual structure were the main influencing factors of RTD, of which the first three were positive factors and the last one presented a negative correlation. To promote RTD to a higher level, it is an urgent matter to boost the high-quality development of county economy and rural education, improve public transportation infrastructure and innovate the policy system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rethinking the Man-Land Relations in China)

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21 pages, 3045 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

China’s Urban and Rural Development Significantly Affects the Pattern of Human Appropriation of Net Primary Production

by Tian Zhang, Jian Peng and Xiaoshu Cao

Land 2023, 12(5), 1062; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12051062 - 12 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1061

Abstract

Increasing human activities have greatly influenced the ecosystem and the use of ecological resources, and the unbalanced urban–rural development in China (urban and rural areas being two major bases of human activities) has always been accompanied by heterogeneous ecological effects. Human appropriation of [...] Read more.

Increasing human activities have greatly influenced the ecosystem and the use of ecological resources, and the unbalanced urban–rural development in China (urban and rural areas being two major bases of human activities) has always been accompanied by heterogeneous ecological effects. Human appropriation of net primary production (HANPP) is an integrated indicator quantifying the human domination of productivity and harvest in the biosphere. Identifying the unbalanced constraints of urban and rural development on HANPP has become necessary for improving human–land relationships. This study analyzed the spatial distribution and regional differentiations of the HANPP in China in 2015 and investigated how HANPP and its components responded to unbalanced regional urban–rural development. The results show that the total amount of HANPP was 2.68 PgC and gradually decreased from the southeast to the northwest of China in 2015, representing 60.33% of the NPP_pot. In addition, HANPP_luc, harvest through cropland, livestock grazing, and forestry contributed 60.70%, 29.86%, 8.53%, and 0.91%, respectively, to the total HANPP, with HANPP_luc playing the dominant role in 21 provinces. There was a significant differentiation (p < 0.05) in the spatial distribution of HANPP (gC/m²), HANPP_harv (gC/m²), and HANPP_luc (gC/m²), especially between the Huanyong Hu Line and the western–eastern part of China, fundamentally resulting from uneven regional development. In addition, biomass production–consumption decoupling existed in most regions in China, 17 provinces were identified as consumption type, and a universal positive correlation (p < 0.05) was identified between the production–consumption ratio of occupied biomass and HANPP_harv (%HANPP). Different drive mechanisms were found between urban–rural development and HANPP, and each HANPP index was more likely to be affected by urban economy (UE), rural population (RP), and rural agricultural technology (RA) in China. The higher regional average nighttime light intensity, the proportion of the built-up area, and the urban road area corresponded with a large HANPP_luc value. Conversely, HANPP would decrease as the proportion of urban green spaces increased. Furthermore, HANPP (%NPP_pot) and HANPP (gC/m²) mostly depended on the rural development index, while HANPP_luc and HANPP_harv were mainly controlled by urban and rural development, respectively. Our findings help understand, first, how unbalanced regional development influences human-induced biomass occupation, the comprehensive urban ecological construction, and rural ecological restoration and, second, that the overall planning of urban–rural integration development must be strengthened to face greater ecological pressures in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rethinking the Man-Land Relations in China)

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27 pages, 13000 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Trade-Off Synergy Relationship of “Production-Living-Ecological” Functions in Chinese Counties: A Case Study of Chongqing Municipality

by Ling Cheng, Haiyang Cui, Tian Liang, Dan Huang, Yuanxia Su, Zhiyong Zhang and Chuanhao Wen

Land 2023, 12(5), 1010; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12051010 - 04 May 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1225

Abstract

The trade-off and coordinated development of the “production-living-ecological” functions (PLEFs) of an area is an important basis for the optimization of the spatial pattern of the land, and helps to promote the harmonious symbiotic relationship between human beings and nature. This paper combines [...] Read more.

The trade-off and coordinated development of the “production-living-ecological” functions (PLEFs) of an area is an important basis for the optimization of the spatial pattern of the land, and helps to promote the harmonious symbiotic relationship between human beings and nature. This paper combines ecological niche theory, a coupling coordination model, and a trade-off synergy model to construct an evaluation index system for Chinese county PLEFs. Quantitative methods were used to measure spatiotemporal evolution characteristics, trade-off synergy of PLEFs in 38 counties in Chongqing, China, and the coupling coordination degree between PLEFs. The results showed that the ecological niche width of the “production-ecological” function revealed an overall growth trend. However, there was a mismatch in regional development of the “production-ecological” function, showing dislocation characteristics of “high in the west and low in the east” and “high in the east and low in the west.” The niche width of the life function is similar to the comprehensive niche width of PLEFs, showing the characteristics of fluctuation and partition change. PLEFs and both the aforementioned functions showed distribution characteristics of “high in the west and low in the east,” with the whole moving towards the stage of coordinated coupling, of which the “production-living” function has the highest coupling level. The functional coupling coordination degree of “production-living-ecological” is generally manifested as “high in the west and low in the east,” and changing from the primary stage of imbalance to well-coordinated development. The “production-ecological” and “living-ecological” functions are in low-level imbalance in the primary and moderate coordination stages. Additionally, the evolution trend of the “production-ecological” and the “living-ecological” functions are similar, showing alternating and fluctuating development characteristics. Overall, in the past 20 years, Chongqing’s “living-production” function has changed from a trade-off model to a collaborative development relationship, and the “living-ecological” function is generally based on a collaborative development relationship. The “ecological function” is manifested as a trade-off constraint relationship. Moreover, the coordinated development level of “living-production,” “living-ecological,” and “production-ecological” functions in the central urban area has been greatly improved, while counties have gradually shown different degrees of trade-offs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rethinking the Man-Land Relations in China)

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17 pages, 4149 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

The Changes of Desertification and Its Driving Factors in the Gonghe Basin of North China over the Past 10 Years

by Hong Jia, Rui Wang, Hang Li, Baijian Diao, Hao Zheng, Lanlan Guo, Lianyou Liu and Jifu Liu

Land 2023, 12(5), 998; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12050998 - 01 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1374

Abstract

Desertification is one of the most severe environmental and socioeconomic issues facing the world today. Gonghe Basin is located in the monsoon marginal zone of China, is a sensitive area of climate change in the northeastern of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in China, desertification [...] Read more.

Desertification is one of the most severe environmental and socioeconomic issues facing the world today. Gonghe Basin is located in the monsoon marginal zone of China, is a sensitive area of climate change in the northeastern of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in China, desertification issue has become very severe. Remote sensing monitoring provides an effective technical means for desertification control. In this study, we used Landsat images in 2010 and 2020 to extract desertification information to constructed the Albedo-NDVI feature space in the Gonghe Basin. And then analyzed temporal and spatial evolution of desertification and its driving factors using Geodetector in the Gonghe Basin from 2010 to 2020. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) Albedo-NDVI feature space method can accurately classify desertification information with accuracy of more than 90%, which was benefit to quantitative analysis of desertification. (2) The desertification situation in the Gonghe Basin had improved from 2010 to 2020, especially in the west of the basin, desertification land area decreased by 827.46 km², and desertification intensity had been obviously reversed. (3) The changes of the desertification in the Gonghe Basin from 2010 to 2020 was affected by both natural and human factors, and the influence of human activities on desertification reversal had increased gradually. The results indicate that the desertification status in the Gonghe Basin had been effectively controlled, and can provide useful basis for the desertification combat in the Gonghe Basin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rethinking the Man-Land Relations in China)

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18 pages, 2230 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does Environmental Decentralization Affect the Supply of Urban Construction Land? Evidence from China

by Lida Han, Xi Wu and Peng Tang

Land 2023, 12(3), 601; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12030601 - 03 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1433

Abstract

Against the background of Chinese decentralization, the preferences and choices of local governments significantly affect the scale and structure of urban construction land supply. Due to the shortage of financial funds and the political performance pursuit of local governments, environmental decentralization gives local [...] Read more.

Against the background of Chinese decentralization, the preferences and choices of local governments significantly affect the scale and structure of urban construction land supply. Due to the shortage of financial funds and the political performance pursuit of local governments, environmental decentralization gives local governments greater autonomy in environmental management, and increases the possibility for local governments relying on land transfer income to make up for the financial gap and provide public goods and services. This paper analyses the impact of environmental decentralization on the construction land supply scale of local government based on the panel data of 30 provinces in China from 2003 to 2015. The results indicate that: (1) environmental decentralization has a positive effect on the increase in urban construction land supply scale; (2) environmental decentralization affects urban construction land supply by strengthening land financial dependence and distorting land resources misallocation; (3) there are regional disparities in the effect of environmental decentralization on urban construction land supply. The impact is greater in regions with high financial pressure, high economic growth pressure, and low environmental protection pressure. In summary, some policy suggestions are put forward to reasonably supply urban construction land against the background of Chinese decentralization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rethinking the Man-Land Relations in China)

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16 pages, 665 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Land Transfer on Vulnerability as Expected Poverty in the Perspective of Farm Household Heterogeneity: An Empirical Study Based on 4608 Farm Households in China

by Zheng Wang, Mingwei Yang, Zhiyong Zhang, Yingjuan Li and Chuanhao Wen

Land 2022, 11(11), 1995; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11111995 - 07 Nov 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1342

Abstract

Poverty eradication is one of the global challenges, and land transfer provides an effective path to address farmers’ poverty; however, the effect of poverty reduction can show heterogeneity depending on the location, household, and head of household. This study employs the propensity value [...] Read more.

Poverty eradication is one of the global challenges, and land transfer provides an effective path to address farmers’ poverty; however, the effect of poverty reduction can show heterogeneity depending on the location, household, and head of household. This study employs the propensity value matching technique to compare the effects of the land transfer on the future alleviation of poverty among farm households, based on the vulnerability as expected poverty, using data from 4608 household tracking surveys. The findings point to the following: In general, rural land transfers can significantly lessen farm households’ VEP. In terms of regional variations, the positive effects of land transfers on farm households’ VEP are mainly in the west. In terms of the differences among households, it was found that land transfers contribute to lower VEP for non-poor, non-financing-constrained, and government-subsidized farm households. With regard to differences in household headship, land transfers have abating effects on the VEP of self-employed heads of farm households. The results of the study can provide a useful reference for policy-making on land management and poverty reduction among farmers Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rethinking the Man-Land Relations in China)

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19 pages, 2200 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Unsustainable Urban Development Based on Temporary Workers: A Study on the Changes of Immigration in Macau between 1992 and 2019

by Bo Zhou and Lei Jiang

Land 2022, 11(11), 1985; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11111985 - 05 Nov 2022

Viewed by 2027

Abstract

Macau’s urban development model has many unique characteristics, including expansion of the city through sea reclamation, increasing population mainly through immigration, and economic development driven by the gaming industry. Based on data from the Macau Statistics and Census Service, this study uses the [...] Read more.

Macau’s urban development model has many unique characteristics, including expansion of the city through sea reclamation, increasing population mainly through immigration, and economic development driven by the gaming industry. Based on data from the Macau Statistics and Census Service, this study uses the Error Correction representation of the Autoregressive Distributed Lag model (ARDL-ECM) to analyze the impact of urban development on the trends of immigration and labor migration in Macau between 1992 and 2019. Results show that both land area and wage level have positive effects on the number of migrant workers and negative effects on the number of immigrants, indicating that Macau is over-dependent on short-term migrant workers. Macau’s land and human resources are tilted towards the gaming industry, resulting in a decreasing living environment and resident carrying capacity as the city develops. Therefore, this paper suggests that Macau should reduce the cost of city expansion and improve economic diversity through strengthening cooperation with neighboring mainland cities, hence sparing resources to absorb non-local talent and ensuring sustainable urban development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rethinking the Man-Land Relations in China)

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14 pages, 2849 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Revitalization and Green Development Practices in China’s Northwest Arid Areas: A Case Study of Yanchi County, Ningxia

by Yongsheng Wang, Lulu Qu, Jieyong Wang, Qian Liu and Zongfeng Chen

Land 2022, 11(11), 1902; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11111902 - 26 Oct 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1873

Abstract

Consolidating and expanding the achievements of poverty alleviation, and effectively connecting it with rural revitalization, are part of an important path to achieving sustainable poverty alleviation and common prosperity in China, especially in its northwest arid areas. In this paper, the human–earth system [...] Read more.

Consolidating and expanding the achievements of poverty alleviation, and effectively connecting it with rural revitalization, are part of an important path to achieving sustainable poverty alleviation and common prosperity in China, especially in its northwest arid areas. In this paper, the human–earth system was employed to analyze the elemental composition, structural organization, and functional state of China’s northwest arid areas. The results revealed the following: (1) poverty in northwest arid areas stems from the lack of a coupling and coordinating mechanism among humans, the economy, resources, and environmental elements; this is not conducive to transforming ecological advantages into regional development. (2) In the antipoverty stage, China’s northwest arid areas innovate human–earth coupling and a coordinating mechanism through a series of targeted measures. (3) We found that three paths, namely “promoting the integration of featured advantageous industries and tourism culture, innovating the realization path according to local conditions, and paying attention to the subjectivity of farmers” broaden the means of sustainable livelihood, consolidate the achievements of poverty alleviation, and achieve rural revitalization. (4) In particular, it is necessary to practice the concept of green development and pursue ecological industrialization by establishing a policy system of green land-people-industry-right, thus building an endogenous growth mechanism of sustainable poverty alleviation and green development in China’s northwest arid areas. The results provide theoretical support and model reference for the effective connection between consolidating and expanding the key achievements of poverty alleviation and rural revitalization in China’s northwest arid areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rethinking the Man-Land Relations in China)

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17 pages, 10205 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Synchronous Development Pattern and Type Division of Functional Coupling Coordination and Human Activity Intensity Based on the “Production–Living–Ecological” Space Perspective: A Case Study of Wanzhou District

by Tian Liang, Fei Yang, Yinchen Luo, Mengying Fang, Xi Huang, Zhiyong Zhang, Chuanhao Wen and Xiaohong Ren

Land 2022, 11(11), 1897; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11111897 - 26 Oct 2022

Viewed by 1287

Abstract

The coupling and coordinated change characteristics of land-use production, living, and ecological functions (PLEFs) and their relationship with human activity intensity (HAI) in ecologically fragile areas are important to study, especially in promoting the sustainable development of regional land-use and revealing [...] Read more.

The coupling and coordinated change characteristics of land-use production, living, and ecological functions (PLEFs) and their relationship with human activity intensity (HAI) in ecologically fragile areas are important to study, especially in promoting the sustainable development of regional land-use and revealing the evolution of the human–land relationship. In this paper, the coupling coordination degree (CCD) model was used to analyze the coordinated development level of PLEF in Wanzhou District from 2000 to 2020. The HAI was measured by the equivalent of construction land. The synchronous development model was introduced to analyze the relationship between them. The results showed that, in Wanzhou District, the PLEFs showed significant spatial distribution differences and evident spatial complementarity. The PLEFs of Wanzhou District were at a good coordination level, but exhibited a downward trend. A spatial pattern of “high in the west and low in the southeast” was presented. The CCD of the production–living function was poor, which is the critical direction of future optimization. The value of HAI in Wanzhou District showed an increasing trend and exhibited a high concentration in the central town and its surrounding regions. According to the synchronous development state of the HAI and the CCD of the PLEFs, Wanzhou District was divided into three development types. The development type of most areas of Wanzhou District was positive, but the area decreased over the past 20 years. Therefore, it is crucial to propose other regulatory strategies for regions with different development types. This research will provide a decision-making reference for promoting the coordination of the PLEFs and alleviating human–land relations in the reservoir area of central and western China, mountainous regions, and similar areas in developing countries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rethinking the Man-Land Relations in China)

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23 pages, 15271 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing Cultivated Land–Use Transition in the Major Grain-Producing Areas of China Based on an Integrated Framework

by Tiangui Lv, Shufei Fu, Xinmin Zhang, Guangdong Wu, Han Hu and Junfeng Tian

Land 2022, 11(10), 1622; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11101622 - 22 Sep 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1624

Abstract

The cultivated land-use transition (CLUT) is the morphological result of changes in the cultivated land-use mode over time, and the result of the interaction and mutual restriction of the human land system. This paper applies a “spatial–functional” integrated framework to understand the structure [...] Read more.

The cultivated land-use transition (CLUT) is the morphological result of changes in the cultivated land-use mode over time, and the result of the interaction and mutual restriction of the human land system. This paper applies a “spatial–functional” integrated framework to understand the structure and functioning of CLUTs, and quantitatively evaluates and visualizes CLUTs in the major grain-producing area in southern China. The results show that (1) the comprehensive CLUT index in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River changed from 0.0480 to 0.0711 from 2001 to 2019 and indicated significant differences in the transition index between different regions. (2) The CLUT identified a positive aggregation effect under a 5% significance during the period, and the agglomeration degree of the spatial and functional transitions strengthened, which increased from 0.3776 to 0.4673 and from 0.2127 to 0.2952, respectively. (3) The gravity center of the CLUT demonstrated a pattern of migration from the southwest to the northeast, and the migration speed of the gravity center decreased from 2.9401 km/year to 1.2370 km/year. The migration direction of the gravity center for the spatial transition is opposite to the functional transition, and the migration speed of the gravity center for the spatial and functional transitions decreased from 8.3573 km/year to 1.0814 km/year, and from 3.2398 km/year to 1.0254 km/year, respectively. To address this transition, policymakers should formulate differentiated policies to promote the sustainable use of cultivated land through the spatial and functional transition of major grain-producing areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rethinking the Man-Land Relations in China)

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18 pages, 4081 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Potential Land-Use Conflicts in the Urban Center of Chongqing Based on the “Production–Living–Ecological Space” Perspective

by Tian Liang, Peng Du, Fei Yang, Yuanxia Su, Yinchen Luo, You Wu and Chuanhao Wen

Land 2022, 11(9), 1415; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11091415 - 28 Aug 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1857

Abstract

With the rapid population growth and accelerating urbanization process, people compete for the scarce land resources to pursue their incompatible interests. Thus, a series of land-use conflicts (LUCs) problems are caused. Scientifically identifying the intensity of LUCs is the basis for coordinating the [...] Read more.

With the rapid population growth and accelerating urbanization process, people compete for the scarce land resources to pursue their incompatible interests. Thus, a series of land-use conflicts (LUCs) problems are caused. Scientifically identifying the intensity of LUCs is the basis for coordinating the man-land relations. We selected the urban center of Chongqing (UCC) as the study area and chose the landscape ecological risk assessment to estimate the level of LUCs by using the hot-spot analysis and neighborhood analysis to analyze the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics and potential risk of LUCs in the UCC over the past 20 years. The results show that the conversion between the living–production space (LPS) and other spaces was most frequent. The assessment model based on the theoretical framework of landscape ecological risk assessment could effectively measure LUCs. The average conflict level of UCC has increased from 0.62 to 0.69. The area of the out-of-control zone has increased, forming hot spots in the concentrated areas of social and economic activities. In contrast, the area of the controllable zone has decreased, forming cold spots in the high-altitude forest areas. The entire area faces the potential risk of the LUCs, but not seriously. The area of the high and extreme potential conflict zones has increased and is concentrated in the northern region of the study area. Targeted management strategies and policy recommendations for regional development should be adopted for different LUCs zones in UCC at international and national levels. Our research can be extended to other areas under rapid urbanization to assess and better manage their land resources for sustainable use, and further to promote the harmonious development of regional man-land relations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rethinking the Man-Land Relations in China)

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20 pages, 4265 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Function Evolution of Oasis Cultivated Land and Its Trade-Off and Synergy Relationship in Xinjiang, China

by Tianyi Cai, Xinhuan Zhang, Fuqiang Xia and Danni Lu

Land 2022, 11(9), 1399; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11091399 - 26 Aug 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1662

Abstract

Cultivated land (CL) performs irreplaceable manifold functions in social stability, economic development, and ecological security, which is also essential for the accomplishment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030 Agenda. China is the world’s most populous country, and it has important reference [...] Read more.

Cultivated land (CL) performs irreplaceable manifold functions in social stability, economic development, and ecological security, which is also essential for the accomplishment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030 Agenda. China is the world’s most populous country, and it has important reference significance for the realization of the multi-function synergistic management of CL in China by revealing the evolution characteristics of cultivated land functions (CLFs) and the interaction between CLFs. However, the research to date has tended to focus on the eastern coastal areas and the central traditional agricultural areas of China. This study focuses specifically on Xinjiang, the main area of the arid region of northwest China. The connotations of social, economic, and ecological functions of oasis cultivated land (OCL) in Xinjiang were first discussed from a system theory perspective. Then, an evaluation index system of CLFs was constructed. On this basis, the evolution characteristics of CLFs and the interaction between CLFs in Xinjiang from 1990 to 2018 were quantitatively evaluated. Findings suggest that: (1) the economic function of the OCL in Xinjiang is strengthening, while the ecological function is degrading and the social function remains stable. Overall, the evolution of CLFs in Xinjiang was first dominated by ecological and social functions and then became economic-function-oriented; (2) the synergistic relationship between CLFs is weakening and the trade-off relationship is increasing over time. The trade-off effect between the economic function and other functions of OCL is strengthened gradually due to the OCL-use activities dominated by the economic function. This study not only enriches the regional content of CL multi-function research but can also provide reference for decision-making for the sustainable utilization and multi-function synergistic management of OCL in Xinjiang, China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rethinking the Man-Land Relations in China)

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17 pages, 5011 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Spatial Pattern of Soil Erosion in Relation to Land Use Change in a Rolling Hilly Region of Northeast China

by Yuanli Zhu, Wenbo Li, Dongyan Wang, Zihao Wu and Peng Shang

Land 2022, 11(8), 1253; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11081253 - 05 Aug 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2094

Abstract

The black soil region in Northeast China is one of the major grain-producing areas of China. Soil erosion in the black soil region caused by natural factors and anthropic activities has attracted much attention, especially in a rolling hilly region. Compared with natural [...] Read more.

The black soil region in Northeast China is one of the major grain-producing areas of China. Soil erosion in the black soil region caused by natural factors and anthropic activities has attracted much attention, especially in a rolling hilly region. Compared with natural factors, the land use factor of cropland encompasses the most easily optimized measures. Jiutai County of Changchun City, located in the hilly areas of Northeast China, was taken as an example to calculate the soil erosion modulus using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation model. The overall soil erosion status of cultivated land in the study area was mainly slight and light, the proportion of cultivated land affected by extremely intensive and severe erosion was relatively small, and the average soil erosion modulus was 7.09 t·hm⁻²·a⁻¹ in 2019. In view of spatial distribution characteristics of soil erosion revealed by the spatial aggregation and hot spot analysis, the most serious soil erosion intensity was concentrated in the southeast and northeast sloping farmland over 8°. With the increase in elevation and topographic slope, the proportion of slight and light soil erosion gradually decreased, which was closely related to the increase in soil erodibility caused by the space–time migration of soil organic carbon caused by the interaction of hydraulic and tillage erosion in complex topographic areas. The Geographically Weighted Regression model was introduced to explore the driving factors and superposition mechanism of farmland soil erosion in the hilly region of Northeast China. Based on the relationship between soil erosion and landscape fragmentation, landscape fragmentation was an important driving force promoting soil erosion, sediment yield, and sediment transport. This paper is committed to providing a basis for accurately deploying regional soil and water conservation measures and formulating macro land management policies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rethinking the Man-Land Relations in China)

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18 pages, 2415 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Patterns in and Key Influences on Cultivated-Land Multi-Functionality in Northeast China’s Black-Soil Region

by Heyang Gong, Zhibo Zhao, Lei Chang, Guanghui Li, Ying Li and Yuefen Li

Land 2022, 11(7), 1101; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11071101 - 19 Jul 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1847

Abstract

Cultivated-land multi-functionality has become an important way to achieve sustainable cultivated-land protection, and it has become a hot spot in the field of land-management policy. Taking the cultivated black soils in the grain-producing area of Jilin Province, Northeast China, as a case study, [...] Read more.

Cultivated-land multi-functionality has become an important way to achieve sustainable cultivated-land protection, and it has become a hot spot in the field of land-management policy. Taking the cultivated black soils in the grain-producing area of Jilin Province, Northeast China, as a case study, this paper assessed the multi-functions of cultivated land over the past 30 years by applying the improved TOPSIS model. Furthermore, the key limiting factors and influencing factors of the multi-functions of cultivated land were identified through the obstacle-degree model and the Geo-detector. The results show that the level of multi-functionality rose from 1990 to 2020, but an increase in both economic and social functions hindered improvements in the ecological function of cultivated land. There were obvious spatial differences in the functions of cultivated land in different counties, with ecological functions showing the highest degree of differentiation, followed by social and economic functions. The per capita agricultural output, the degree of agricultural mechanization, the average output from cultivated land, and the agricultural-labor productivity had the most restrictive effects on the functions of cultivated land, with barrier-degree values of 15.90, 13.90, 11.76, and 10.30, respectively. Coupling–coordination in the multi-functions and sub-functions of cultivated land showed an upward trend, from “low coupling coordination–antagonistic coupling coordination” to “high coupling coordination-optimal coupling coordination”. The government should include the level of multi-functional utilization in future policies for the management and utilization of cultivated land and take measures to reduce the differences in the functions of cultivated land among regions. Quantifying the multi-functional value of cultivated land and subsidizing land cultivation should encourage farmers to protect the land and help to strengthen multi-functional planning and functional design, improve ecological utilization, and promote the sustainable use of cultivated land. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rethinking the Man-Land Relations in China)

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16 pages, 1562 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of High-Speed Rail on Cropland Abandonment in China

by Junhui Shi and Fang Wang

Land 2022, 11(7), 1002; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11071002 - 01 Jul 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2991

Abstract

This study analyzed Chinese labor-force survey data to determine the relationship between cropland abandonment and high-speed rail (HSR) infrastructure. A PSM-DID approach was employed to examine 2014 and 2016 data from the China Labor-force Dynamics Survey and estimate the impact of HSR, from [...] Read more.

This study analyzed Chinese labor-force survey data to determine the relationship between cropland abandonment and high-speed rail (HSR) infrastructure. A PSM-DID approach was employed to examine 2014 and 2016 data from the China Labor-force Dynamics Survey and estimate the impact of HSR, from which it was found that HSR accessibility promoted cropland abandonment in local farm households with a coefficient of 0.206, that is, HSR projects led to a 20.6% increase in area of cropland abandonment and these impacts were found to be greater in hilly areas and lower in plain areas. The results also suggested that HSR accessibility could have a “pull” effect, which resulted in rural labor force shifts to non-agricultural sectors in the local region. Countermeasures and policy suggestions are given to reduce cropland abandonment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rethinking the Man-Land Relations in China)

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15 pages, 2858 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Variation of Net Carbon Emissions from Land Use Change in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region during 1990–2020

by Haiming Yan, Xin Guo, Shuqin Zhao and Huicai Yang

Land 2022, 11(7), 997; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11070997 - 30 Jun 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2063

Abstract

Global increasing carbon emissions have triggered a series of environmental problems and greatly affected the production and living of human beings. This study estimated carbon emissions from land use change in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region during 1990–2020 with the carbon emission model and explored [...] Read more.

Global increasing carbon emissions have triggered a series of environmental problems and greatly affected the production and living of human beings. This study estimated carbon emissions from land use change in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region during 1990–2020 with the carbon emission model and explored major influencing factors of carbon emissions with the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) model. The results suggested that the cropland decreased most significantly, while the built-up area increased significantly due to accelerated urbanization. The total carbon emissions in the study area increased remarkably from 112.86 million tons in 1990 to 525.30 million tons in 2020, and the built-up area was the main carbon source, of which the carbon emissions increased by 370.37%. Forest land accounted for 83.58–89.56% of the total carbon absorption but still failed to offset the carbon emission of the built-up area. Carbon emissions were influenced by various factors, and the results of this study suggested that the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita contributed most to the increase of carbon emissions in the study area, resulting in a cumulative increase of carbon emissions by 9.48 million tons, followed by the land use structure, carbon emission intensity per unit of land, and population size. By contrast, the land use intensity per unit of GDP had a restraining effect on carbon emissions, making the cumulative carbon emissions decrease by 103.26 million tons. This study accurately revealed the variation of net carbon emissions from land use change and the effects of influencing factors of carbon emissions from land use change in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, which can provide a firm scientific basis for improving the regional land use planning and for promoting the low-carbon economic development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rethinking the Man-Land Relations in China)

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21 pages, 6880 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Spatiotemporal Evolution of Ecological Security in Border Areas: A Case Study of Southwest China

by Zheneng Hu, Meijun Qian, Xianghe Teng, Zhuoya Zhang, Fanglei Zhong, Qingping Cheng and Chuanhao Wen

Land 2022, 11(6), 892; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11060892 - 11 Jun 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1689

Abstract

Fewer studies on ecological security (ES) in border areas limit the synergistic development of border areas in the context of rapid globalization. The study of ES in border areas of southwest China can enrich the evaluation methods, summarize the knowledge related to ES [...] Read more.

Fewer studies on ecological security (ES) in border areas limit the synergistic development of border areas in the context of rapid globalization. The study of ES in border areas of southwest China can enrich the evaluation methods, summarize the knowledge related to ES in border areas, and provide references for similar areas in the world. Therefore, twenty-five international border counties in Yunnan Province were selected to establish a system to evaluate ES; an entropy weight TOPSIS model was used to evaluate the changes in ES from 2004 to 2019. Then, an obstacle degree model was used to diagnose the factors affecting ES. The state of ES was predicted by a gray prediction model (GM) (1,1) in 2025 and 2030. The results show that an improving ES situation presented a spatial distribution pattern of high to low from the southwest to the west and east. Various factors, including fixed assets investment, per-capita fiscal revenue, per-capita GDP, food production, and water regulation, created obstacles to a desirable ES in the study area. Although the ES of border areas will maintain an upward trend under the existing development model, the number of counties that will reach a secure state of ES in 2025 and 2030 is predicted to only be 1 and 2, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rethinking the Man-Land Relations in China)

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