Land | Special Issue : Land Resource Use Efficiency and Sustainable Land Use

Research

31 pages, 3647 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Information Consumption Pilot Policy on Urban Land Green Use Efficiency: An Empirical Study from China

by Yunpeng Fu, Zixuan Wang and Wenjia Zhao

Land 2025, 14(5), 945; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14050945 - 27 Apr 2025

Viewed by 244

Information consumption has been reshaping the modes of human living and production, and driving the transformation of production and trade activities traditionally dependent on land resources, thus influencing urban land green use efficiency (ULGUE). Based on the panel data of 281 prefecture-level cities [...] Read more.

Information consumption has been reshaping the modes of human living and production, and driving the transformation of production and trade activities traditionally dependent on land resources, thus influencing urban land green use efficiency (ULGUE). Based on the panel data of 281 prefecture-level cities in China from 2011 to 2023, this study employs the national Information Consumption Pilot Policy (ICPP) as a quasi-natural experiment and utilizes a double machine learning model to assess the ICPP’s impacts on ULGUE. According to the results of the causal mediating effect analysis, the ICPP has improved ULGUE through three mediating mechanisms: expanding the scale of digital transactions, nurturing future industrial developments, and promoting green consumption behaviors. Moreover, in light of the results of the heterogeneity analysis, the ICPP’s impacts on ULGUE vary significantly. Such variation can primarily be attributed to differences in urban resource endowments, disparities in transportation infrastructure development, and variations in geographical location. Specifically, the ICPP has produced more prominent impacts on enhancing land green use efficiency in resource-based cities, cities with high-speed rail access, and coastal cities. Therefore, the government should proactively establish an urban information consumption environment, enhance the role of digital transactions, strategize future industrial developments, encourage green consumption behaviors, and differentiate local policies to effectively promote the continuous improvement of ULGUE. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Resource Use Efficiency and Sustainable Land Use)

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37 pages, 4037 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synergistic Effects of Dual Low-Carbon Pilot Policies on Urban Green Land Use Efficiency: Mechanisms and Spatial Spillovers Through Difference-in-Differences and Spatial Econometric Analysis

by Zhixiong Liu, Yuheng Wei, Ruofan Liao, Woraphon Yamaka and Jianxu Liu

Land 2025, 14(4), 882; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14040882 - 16 Apr 2025

Viewed by 365

Abstract

China’s rapid urbanization has driven significant economic growth, but has also resulted in resource depletion, ecological degradation, and inefficient land use, collectively hindering sustainable development. In response, pilot policies for “low-carbon cities” and “carbon emissions trading” have been implemented to enhance urban land [...] Read more.

China’s rapid urbanization has driven significant economic growth, but has also resulted in resource depletion, ecological degradation, and inefficient land use, collectively hindering sustainable development. In response, pilot policies for “low-carbon cities” and “carbon emissions trading” have been implemented to enhance urban land use efficiency. This study evaluates the green land use efficiency of 282 prefectural-level cities in China from 2006 to 2023, using the non-expected output super-efficiency SBM model. Some cities serve as pilot sites for both “low-carbon cities” and “carbon emissions trading.” A multi-period Difference-in-Differences model is employed to empirically assess the impact and mechanisms of this “dual-pilot” policy on green land use efficiency. The findings indicate the following: (1) The dual-pilot policy significantly improves green land use efficiency, with coordinated implementation yielding greater efficiency gains than single-policy approaches. (2) Mechanism analysis suggests that these policies enhance efficiency by promoting technological innovation and industrial agglomeration. (3) Heterogeneity analysis reveals that the policy’s impact is stronger in western regions, cities with high human capital, large urban centers, areas with stringent environmental regulations, and non-resource-dependent cities. (4) Spatial econometric analysis shows that while low-carbon policies improve local land use efficiency, they also create a siphoning effect on neighboring areas, with positive impacts observed within a 100–600 km range, diminishing and turning negative beyond 600 km. These insights provide a valuable framework for sustainable urban planning, emphasizing the importance of adaptive, context-sensitive policy design in addressing complex ecological and economic challenges. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Resource Use Efficiency and Sustainable Land Use)

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18 pages, 2464 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determinants of Farmland Abandonment Among Peasants in Scattered Villages: The Impact of Family Structure and Social Policies in Southern China

by Zebin Chen, Yonglin Chen, Chenhui Zhu, Yunping Zhang and Xiang Kong

Land 2025, 14(4), 877; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14040877 - 16 Apr 2025

Viewed by 303

Abstract

With China’s urbanization process and changes in rural family structures, the abandonment of farmland in scattered villages within hilly mountainous regions is becoming an increasingly serious issue, restricting the improvement of land use efficiency. This study analyzes the basic characteristics and variations in [...] Read more.

With China’s urbanization process and changes in rural family structures, the abandonment of farmland in scattered villages within hilly mountainous regions is becoming an increasingly serious issue, restricting the improvement of land use efficiency. This study analyzes the basic characteristics and variations in abandoned farmland by conducting surveys and interviews with peasants in a scattered village in southern China. Using the Heckman two-stage model, we perform empirical analysis on the factors influencing farmland abandonment, addressing potential sample selection bias. The findings show the following: peasants with better health and higher education levels are more likely to transition to non-agricultural occupations which contributes to an increased abandonment of farmland. However, larger and more integrated land parcels, along with favorable farming conditions, help reduce abandonment. Additionally, rural land transfer and agricultural subsidies are important factors that enhance farmland utilization and mitigate abandonment. These results provide a reference for addressing the abandonment of farmland and improving both the farming environment and social policies in rural villages. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Resource Use Efficiency and Sustainable Land Use)

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21 pages, 4665 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Drivers, Constraints, and Policy Regulation Strategies for the Abandonment of Farmland: Insights from China

by Yong Sun, Hongjun Jiang and Xiaoli Zhu

Land 2024, 13(12), 2096; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13122096 - 5 Dec 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 839

Abstract

The increasing trend of farmers abandoning their farmland amid urbanization poses significant challenges to sustainable agricultural development and threatens national food security. This study employs evolutionary game theory to analyze the drivers, constraints, and policy regulation strategies associated with the farmland abandonment by [...] Read more.

The increasing trend of farmers abandoning their farmland amid urbanization poses significant challenges to sustainable agricultural development and threatens national food security. This study employs evolutionary game theory to analyze the drivers, constraints, and policy regulation strategies associated with the farmland abandonment by farmers in the context of urbanization and aging in China. The findings indicate that urbanization and demographic aging significantly influence farmers’ decisions to abandon their farmland. Government regulations, including incentives and penalties, face constraints from various factors. Farmers are often drawn to abandon their land because of the higher income potential from urban employment and land rental, coupled with the burden of farming and opportunity costs. Conversely, potential losses from land transfer income, agricultural product revenues, the quality of farmland, and lower levels of aging serve as constraints that affect farmers’ decision-making and land utilization behaviors. Furthermore, proactive regulation by local governments can effectively deter farmers from abandoning their land. However, the success of government policies in protecting farmland relies on a synergistic approach that balances incentives and regulations. Therefore, it is crucial for policymakers to consider multiple factors and adapt policy designs flexibly to align with local conditions. This study aims to provide theoretical insights and practical guidance for developing more effective and scientifically grounded farmland protection policies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Resource Use Efficiency and Sustainable Land Use)

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18 pages, 1381 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Evolutionary Game in Regulating Non-Agricultural Farmland Use within the Integrated Development of Rural Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Industries

by Liang Cheng, Huimin Huang, Yong Sun, Zhicui Li and Hongyan Du

Land 2024, 13(10), 1600; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13101600 - 1 Oct 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1212

Abstract

Food security is a cornerstone of national development, and farmland protection and rationale are crucial for its assurance. However, integrating primary, secondary, and tertiary industries (IPSTI) in rural areas places significant pressure on farmland, threatening food security. This paper employs an evolutionary game [...] Read more.

Food security is a cornerstone of national development, and farmland protection and rationale are crucial for its assurance. However, integrating primary, secondary, and tertiary industries (IPSTI) in rural areas places significant pressure on farmland, threatening food security. This paper employs an evolutionary game model to explore how effective IPSTI can be achieved through stakeholder cooperation, ensuring rational farmland use under strict protection policies. The results reveal eight local equilibrium points in the game model, which can achieve asymptotic stability under varying conditions. Additionally, the behavioral parameters of local governments significantly impact their regulatory strategies for the non-agricultural use of farmland. When benefits increase, or penalties are strengthened, local government regulatory initiatives increase, constraining the behaviors of other participants. The village committee’s support strategy is influenced by benefits and costs, requiring a balance between promoting local economic development and minimizing non-agricultural use of farmland by enterprises. Enterprises’ decision-making primarily depends on the trade-off between the benefits and costs of non-agricultural use of farmland. The core findings of this study provide a crucial theoretical basis and decision support for formulating farmland protection policies and promoting industrial integration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Resource Use Efficiency and Sustainable Land Use)

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17 pages, 794 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Evolution of Urban Land Green Utilization Efficiency and Driving Factors: An Empirical Study Based on Spatial Econometrics

by Junlan Tan, Xiang Su and Rong Wang

Land 2024, 13(8), 1272; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13081272 - 12 Aug 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1412

Abstract

Green development is an inevitable choice for sustainable development under the constraints of environmental resources. This paper attempts to explore the connotation of urban land green utilization efficiency (LGUE) and reveal its spatial differentiation characteristics. This study adopts the super-SBM model to measure [...] Read more.

Green development is an inevitable choice for sustainable development under the constraints of environmental resources. This paper attempts to explore the connotation of urban land green utilization efficiency (LGUE) and reveal its spatial differentiation characteristics. This study adopts the super-SBM model to measure LGUE from 2009 to 2022 and analyzes the spatiotemporal variation rules. Then, the study reveals the spatial influencing factors of LGUE, drawing the following conclusions: (1) the average efficiency value of LGUE at the national level is still at a low level, but it is on an upward trend. There are significant differences in LGUE among the eastern, central, and western regions, with the highest LGUE in the eastern region and the lowest in the western region. (2) The spatial distribution of LGUE in various cities across the country is not entirely random but shows significant spatial autocorrelation characteristics. The improvement in LGUE in a region can improve the surrounding region’s LGUE. (3) Economic development level promotes the improvement of local city LGUE, but its impact on LGUE of surrounding neighboring cities is not significant; local city industrial structure upgrading can improve LGUE in both local and neighboring cities; foreign investment in local cities can promote LGUE in both local and neighboring cities; the increase in population density will hinder LGUE in local cities but improve surrounding cities LGUE. The intervention degree of local city government will suppress the improvement of LGUE in both local and neighboring cities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Resource Use Efficiency and Sustainable Land Use)

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21 pages, 9655 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spillover Effects of Urban Expansion on Land Green Use Efficiency: An Empirical Study Based on Multi-Source Remote Sensing Data in China

by Zhen Deng, Fan Xiao, Jing Huang, Yizhen Zhang and Fang Zhang

Land 2024, 13(7), 1102; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13071102 - 21 Jul 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2266

Abstract

Land is an important carrier of resource elements, and improving land green use efficiency (LGUE) is the key to achieving “smart growth” in cities. This study takes 269 cities in China from 2008 to 2020 as the research object and integrates multisource remote [...] Read more.

Land is an important carrier of resource elements, and improving land green use efficiency (LGUE) is the key to achieving “smart growth” in cities. This study takes 269 cities in China from 2008 to 2020 as the research object and integrates multisource remote sensing data, GIS spatial analysis, and spatial econometric models to explore the evolutionary characteristics of LGUE and the spatiotemporal effects of urban expansion on LGUE. The results show that (1) urban LGUE increases over time and has certain gradient distribution and spatial dependence characteristics; (2) urban expansion has a significant inverted U-shaped relationship with LGUE, indicating that maintaining reasonable urban expansion is the key to improving LGUE, but excessive urban expansion has a strong negative spatial effect on LGUE. In terms of spillover effect, for every 1% increase in the square term of urban expansion, the LGUE of the local city decreases by 0.0673%, but the neighboring city increases by 0.2283%; and (3) urban expansion has significant spatiotemporal heterogeneous effects on LGUE, and spatial development boundaries must be reasonably determined to achieve “smart growth”. Currently, some cities in China are expanding rapidly, and we hope to provide key support for promoting the “smart growth” of cities and improving LGUE. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Resource Use Efficiency and Sustainable Land Use)

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19 pages, 2205 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Territorial Spatial Development Non-Equilibrium and Temporal–Spatial Patterns from a Conjugate Perspective: Evidence from Chinese Provincial Panel Data

by Aihui Ma, Yijia Gao and Wanmin Zhao

Land 2024, 13(6), 797; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13060797 - 4 Jun 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 989

Abstract

Clarifying the intrinsic nature and formation mechanisms of the territorial spatial development non-equilibrium, optimizing the allocation of territorial resources, promoting regional balanced development, and alleviating regional development disparities have become common endeavors of all countries seeking to enhance development quality. This study, based [...] Read more.

Clarifying the intrinsic nature and formation mechanisms of the territorial spatial development non-equilibrium, optimizing the allocation of territorial resources, promoting regional balanced development, and alleviating regional development disparities have become common endeavors of all countries seeking to enhance development quality. This study, based on the land use and socio-economic data of 31 provinces and cities in China from 2006 to 2020, utilized the kernel density estimation method and ArcGIS spatial analysis to explore the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of China’s territorial spatial development non-equilibrium. The research findings are as follows: (1) From 2006 to 2020, both the land development intensity and land supply capacity showed an increasing trend, with increases of 21.4% and 8.03%, respectively. However, their spatiotemporal evolutions significantly differed. (2) The state of the territorial spatial development non-equilibrium in China significantly improved, with a rising trend in the territorial spatial equilibrium degree. Regional disparities in the territorial spatial equilibrium degree decreased. The number of provinces and cities in a state of underdevelopment decreased from 23 to 8, while the number in an equilibrium state increased from 7 to 21. The central and western regions showed more significant improvements in the territorial spatial equilibrium degree and a greater reduction in regional disparity when compared to the eastern and northeastern regions. (3) China exhibited distinct regional disparities in the territorial spatial equilibrium degree. The overdeveloped areas were Beijing and Shanghai. The underdeveloped regions were primarily concentrated in western areas, including Sichuan, Yunnan, and Xinjiang. The high-level equilibrium regions were predominantly located in the southeastern coastal provinces and the central plains region, while the low-level equilibrium regions included Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Qinghai, and the three northeastern provinces. (4) From the perspective of the number of agglomeration types, the order is HH (high–high) > LH (low–high) > LL (low–low) > HL (high–low), and China’s TSED exhibits a spatial proximity peer effect. The innovation of this study consists of the following aspects: (1) The clarification of the fact that the essence of equilibrium does not require an exact 1:1 match, as with “two horses”; rather, it entails the maintenance of a slight surplus of land supply capacity over land development intensity. This approach allows the possibility of future sustainable development by leaving room for expansion. (2) The differentiation between high-intensity conjugation (in terms of both quantity and quality) and low-intensity conjugation (quantity only) from a conjugate perspective. This categorization aids in a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the territorial spatial development non-equilibrium and its spatiotemporal patterns. It provides crucial information for the formulation of sustainable national territorial development plans and the promotion of a regional development equilibrium. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Resource Use Efficiency and Sustainable Land Use)

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