Spatial Correlation of Non-Agriculturalization and Non-Grain Utilization Transformation of Cultivated Land in China and Its Implications

China’s rapid urbanization and evolving agricultural practices have driven significant changes in cultivated land utilization, characterized by non-agriculturalization (NA) and non-grain utilization (NGU) transformation. Understanding the spatial patterns and driving mechanisms of these transformati...

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Main Authors: Yingge Wang, Daiyi Song, Cheng Liu, Shuaicheng Li, Man Yuan, Jian Gong, Jianxin Yang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
Series:Land
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2073-445X/14/5/1031
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author Yingge Wang
Daiyi Song
Cheng Liu
Shuaicheng Li
Man Yuan
Jian Gong
Jianxin Yang
author_facet Yingge Wang
Daiyi Song
Cheng Liu
Shuaicheng Li
Man Yuan
Jian Gong
Jianxin Yang
author_sort Yingge Wang
collection DOAJ
description China’s rapid urbanization and evolving agricultural practices have driven significant changes in cultivated land utilization, characterized by non-agriculturalization (NA) and non-grain utilization (NGU) transformation. Understanding the spatial patterns and driving mechanisms of these transformations is critical for formulating effective cultivated land management and protection policies. Previous studies have treated the non-agriculturalization (NA) and non-grain utilization (NGU) of cultivated land as distinct phenomena with no correlation. Therefore, this study constructs a theoretical framework to explore the correlation between NA and NGU and examines their interaction patterns using Ezhou City in China as a case study. Spatial econometric models and multinomial logistic regression analyses reveal distinct trade-offs and synergies between NA and NGU, which are shaped by locational, socioeconomic, natural, and policy factors. Urban areas exhibit higher NA rates due to economic development, while rural areas favor NGU for improved land use efficiency and profitability. Suburban zones demonstrate a coordinated transformation, where both processes coexist synergistically. The findings, which are also verified by another two case study areas, highlight the existence of spatial correlations between NA and NGU transformations of cultivated land. They also underscore the necessity for region-specific policies to balance food security with economic growth and dietary transformation. This study helps to elucidate the complex mechanisms underlying different types of cultivated land use transitions and offers new perspectives for the formulation of cultivated land use and protection policies for global cities.
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institution Kabale University
issn 2073-445X
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spelling doaj-art-228018878ef54590b01e129ffa2491c42025-08-20T03:47:59ZengMDPI AGLand2073-445X2025-05-01145103110.3390/land14051031Spatial Correlation of Non-Agriculturalization and Non-Grain Utilization Transformation of Cultivated Land in China and Its ImplicationsYingge Wang0Daiyi Song1Cheng Liu2Shuaicheng Li3Man Yuan4Jian Gong5Jianxin Yang6School of Public Administration, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, ChinaSchool of Public Administration, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, ChinaKey Laboratory of Rule of Law Research, Ministry of Natural Resources, Wuhan 430074, ChinaSchool of Public Administration, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, ChinaSchool of Public Administration, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, ChinaKey Laboratory of Rule of Law Research, Ministry of Natural Resources, Wuhan 430074, ChinaKey Laboratory of Rule of Law Research, Ministry of Natural Resources, Wuhan 430074, ChinaChina’s rapid urbanization and evolving agricultural practices have driven significant changes in cultivated land utilization, characterized by non-agriculturalization (NA) and non-grain utilization (NGU) transformation. Understanding the spatial patterns and driving mechanisms of these transformations is critical for formulating effective cultivated land management and protection policies. Previous studies have treated the non-agriculturalization (NA) and non-grain utilization (NGU) of cultivated land as distinct phenomena with no correlation. Therefore, this study constructs a theoretical framework to explore the correlation between NA and NGU and examines their interaction patterns using Ezhou City in China as a case study. Spatial econometric models and multinomial logistic regression analyses reveal distinct trade-offs and synergies between NA and NGU, which are shaped by locational, socioeconomic, natural, and policy factors. Urban areas exhibit higher NA rates due to economic development, while rural areas favor NGU for improved land use efficiency and profitability. Suburban zones demonstrate a coordinated transformation, where both processes coexist synergistically. The findings, which are also verified by another two case study areas, highlight the existence of spatial correlations between NA and NGU transformations of cultivated land. They also underscore the necessity for region-specific policies to balance food security with economic growth and dietary transformation. This study helps to elucidate the complex mechanisms underlying different types of cultivated land use transitions and offers new perspectives for the formulation of cultivated land use and protection policies for global cities.https://www.mdpi.com/2073-445X/14/5/1031non-agriculturalizationnon-grain utilizationcultivated land protectionspatial econometricssustainable land management
spellingShingle Yingge Wang
Daiyi Song
Cheng Liu
Shuaicheng Li
Man Yuan
Jian Gong
Jianxin Yang
Spatial Correlation of Non-Agriculturalization and Non-Grain Utilization Transformation of Cultivated Land in China and Its Implications
Land
non-agriculturalization
non-grain utilization
cultivated land protection
spatial econometrics
sustainable land management
title Spatial Correlation of Non-Agriculturalization and Non-Grain Utilization Transformation of Cultivated Land in China and Its Implications
title_full Spatial Correlation of Non-Agriculturalization and Non-Grain Utilization Transformation of Cultivated Land in China and Its Implications
title_fullStr Spatial Correlation of Non-Agriculturalization and Non-Grain Utilization Transformation of Cultivated Land in China and Its Implications
title_full_unstemmed Spatial Correlation of Non-Agriculturalization and Non-Grain Utilization Transformation of Cultivated Land in China and Its Implications
title_short Spatial Correlation of Non-Agriculturalization and Non-Grain Utilization Transformation of Cultivated Land in China and Its Implications
title_sort spatial correlation of non agriculturalization and non grain utilization transformation of cultivated land in china and its implications
topic non-agriculturalization
non-grain utilization
cultivated land protection
spatial econometrics
sustainable land management
url https://www.mdpi.com/2073-445X/14/5/1031
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