Review Reports - The Impact of Household Dynamics on Land-Use Change in China: Past Experiences and Future Implications

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Dear authors and editors.

I am grateful for the opportunity to review the article "The Impact of Household Dynamics on Land Use Change in China: Past Experiences and Future Implications".

The article is interesting. Advises on the subject of a scientific journal.

There are a number of comments.

1. It is not clear how the results were obtained. There is no description of the research methodology.

2. Table 1. Specify the data sources as it is necessary to formalize the citation in the manuscript []. Give the sources of data in the list of references.

3. The geographical maps in Figure 3 are poorly readable. The image quality is low.

4. Specify the limitations of the study. Indicate the prospects for future research.

5. In section 4, compare the data you have received with other countries.

6. In sections 4 and 1, provide a more in-depth analysis of the literature. How is this problem solved in other countries?

Author Response

Thank you very much for your suggestions, which have been very helpful in revising my thesis. I have revised the paper according to your suggestions, the relevant reply and the revised paper are in the attachment, please check them, if there is any unqualified revision, please continue to guide me, and I look forward to your reply.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Editor-in-Chief

Land

# land-2568875

Manuscript Title: The Impact of Household Dynamics on Land Use Change in China: Past Experiences and Future Implications

Having carefully evaluated the manuscript, I would like to commend the authors for their thoughtful work and offer some feedback for the authors' consideration during the revision process.

Abstract and introduction:

-It is advisable to include an explanation on the method used in the abstract.

The introduction requires restructuring to enhance coherence and depth. Begin by providing a broad overview of the topic, gradually narrowing down to the specific focus of the study.

Additionally, enrich the introduction by incorporating more references to showcase the evolution of studies and the current state of the art in the field.

- In the introduction, highlight the most significant factors influencing land use changes (besides population).

- Please add much more literature, to be of interest for the readers regarding the different aspects of social context and LULC changes.

- In the introduction section, there are too many general citations such as [11-20]. Mentioning the specific importance of each study may be more understandable for readers.

- Please provide further elaboration on the various approaches to assess the effects of population growth on LULC change in the introductory section.

- Prior to stating the objective, a summary of previous research should be provided to highlight the significant aspects of the research.

- Provide the closure statement, indicating the identified gaps/problems/novelity to be addressed with this research according to the literature review.

Research Methodology:

- Add a heading titled "Study Area."

- Provide a detailed description of the natural features, climatic conditions, major population centers, and other influential factors affecting land use change in the area.

- Explain the rationale behind choosing this particular region, as these details could assist in understanding the generalizability of your study findings.

- How have the land use data been collected for different time periods? What is the accuracy level and the method of determination for these data?

- The analysis of changes is predominantly descriptive, lacking the use of statistical techniques to determine variations. It would be beneficial to address the tools used for analyzing temporal trends and to employ scientific methodologies for analyzing temporal changes in the data.

Results:

- As a suggestion, utilize the Mann-Kendall test for the data presented in Figures 1 and 2 to provide a numerical representation of the significance and intensity of the changes. (Add an explanation of the Mann-Kendall method to the research methodology section.)

- It is advisable to enhance the quality of Figure 3.

- Could the data presented in Figure 4B have a direct impact on land use changes? (It requires convincing explanations)

- When interpreting the outcomes, refrain from redundantly restating tabular data in written form. Concentrate on interpreting and elucidating the causes underlying the alterations in the results (lines 303 to 318 or pertinent sections can be more succinctly presented).

Conclusions:

- It would be more appropriate to address the research limitations and sources of errors within the conclusion section.

- Offer practical recommendations aimed at mitigating the adverse impacts of land use change, drawing from the acquired results.

- Provide an overarching forecast or prediction concerning the future trajectory of household characteristics and prospective changes in land use and land cover.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

The manuscript's English level is good, but some minor revisions are needed. Can be addressed by revising the manuscript.

Author Response

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The article describes the evolution of different variables in relationship with household characteristics between 1980-2020. Similarly, other variables evolution like agriculture land and woodland are reflected too.

MANIN QUESTIONS

Really, the article is too much descriptive. Variables measures are shown, and their evolution, but nonstatistical relationships are calculated. Following the actual form of the paper, the statements/conclusions shown by authors derived only from the “visual” interpretation of variables curves found during the study period, 1980-2000 (e.g. lines 219 to 244). Data should be analyzed using correlation analysis and multivariate analysis between the different variables measured, to obtain the statistical degree /significance of their relationships.

Minor questions

Line 23. “… from 4.41 to 2.92…” Units of measure?

Line 73. “…. environmental Variables….” Why capital letters?

Table 1. Units for Household size. Explain the meaning of Housing completed area, and Land use (1km).

Table 2. Population number (million) % in relationship with?

Line 183,184. Please, explain the full meaning of families having one/two generations.

Lines 305 “.…Agricultural, woodland, Residential…” Please, unify the Capital letter use.

Line 306, and thorough the text. Use ha better than hm.

Author Response

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 4 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The paper brings a new perspective on the role of household dynamics on land use change. It discusses the driving forces of demographic change and its impact on households’ structure.

I have few comments or recommendations to the text:

Please describe in more details collective households – line 103 and below

Please provide links to underpinning statistical data – lines 114-121

Line 141 – I cannot see decline in the number of households…

Fig 7 – what was the driver of such huge increase of Unused land after 2010 and on what land it happened?

Please describe in more details why the period 2000-2010 was so different in land use change – Fig 9

Conclusions - please elaborate more on future implications (since it is one of the main issues in the title) of the impact of household dynamics and possible planning policies that could regulate its impact on land use.

Author Response

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Accept in present form

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

According to the revisions, all of my comments in the previous stage have been considered in the revised version and the paper can be accepted for publication.