Ziyuan Kexue (May 2024)
Analysis and evaluation of sustainable utilization of cultivated land in China’s black soil region based on open three-dimensional ecological footprint
Abstract
[Objective] The purpose of this study was to analyse and evaluate the sustainable utilization of cultivated land in the black soil region of China, explore the use of natural capital of cultivated land, and provide policy recommendations for promoting the rational utilization of cultivated land resources in the region. [Methods] Based on the crop yield, population, and economic data of China’s black soil region from 2009 to 2016, this study analyzes the sustainable use of cultivated land by constructing an “open” three-dimensional ecological footprint model and a comprehensive sustainable utilization index. [Results] (1) Based on the ecological footprint after adjustment, between 2009 and 2016, 0.084 hm2 per capita of cultivated land resources in the black soil region were occupied by non-local residents, and 0.208 hm2 were occupied by local residents. (2) From the perspective of natural capital flow, per capita occupation of the natural capital flow of the entire cultivated land area in the black soil region was about 0.199 hm2, with the highest value of 0.200 hm2 in 2016; from the perspective of natural capital stock, between 2009 and 2016, the footprint depth first increased to 1.114 and then fluctuated to 1.071. (3) The comprehensive index of sustainable utilization of cultivated land in the black soil region basically fluctuated around 0.55; except for Liaoning Province, the index values for all other provinces were between 0.45-0.56. [Conclusion] This study showed that the black soil region bears part of the pressure of cultivated land transfer, experiencing a three-stage evolution path of stock maintenance, stock consumption and stock recovery. Meanwhile, the degree of sustainable utilization of cultivated land in the black soil region and provinces is not high, and there is still much room for policy improvement. This study can provide some theoretical basis and policy insights for the subsequent sustainable utilization of cultivated land resources in the black soil region.
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