Abstract
This study investigated the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of cultivated land in the Hehuang Valley based on terrain gradient analysis, aiming to provide a scientific reference for the rational utilization of cultivated land in this region. By integrating long-term high-resolution land use data with methods including terrain gradient factor analysis, kernel density analysis, PLUS model and standard deviation ellipse theory. we analyzed the spatiotemporal changes, topographic gradient differentiation patterns, and evolution trends of cultivated land in the Hehuang Valley from 1980 to 2020. The results showed that: (1) Cultivated land in the Hehuang Valley exhibited a net loss of 119.24 km² from 1980 to 2020, predominantly converted to grassland, water area, and built-up area. (2) Higher cultivated land density in river valleys contrasted with sparse distribution in mountainous zones. The spatial centroid shifted 2.277 km northwestward, accompanied by progressive spatial contraction. (3) Cultivated land was concentrated on sunlit slopes of hills and plains below 2,772 m altitude and 17.42° slope gradient, where human activities induced significant land use transitions. (4) Population density was the dominant factor influencing cultivated land changes, with a contribution of 0.12. The increase in cultivated land was primarily distributed along the Datong River and the Yellow River, while cultivated land decreased rapidly in the Xining section of the Huangshui River. Location-specific management strategies are imperative to optimize resource allocation and ensure sustainable agricultural development under heterogeneous environmental constraints. Given the significant terrain gradient differentiation in the distribution and change of cultivated land in the Hehuang Valley, sustainable management practices should adhere to local conditions to promote the sustainable development of cultivated land resources.
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Funding
This study was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) Joint Fund Project (U23A2047), Centralized Guided Local Project (XZ202401YD0028), Centralized Support – Key Scientific Research Platform Construction – Bomi Geological Hazards Ministry of Education Field Observatory Research Station Construction Project (Tibetan Finance Pre-indication [2024] No. 1). Key Technologies for Controlling Major Natural Disasters in Xizang (XZ202402ZD0001), High-Level Talent Cultivation Program for Postgraduates at Xizang University (2025-GSP-B004).
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Wu, H., Yang, K., Zhou, J. et al. Spatio-temporal evolution characteristics of cultivated land based on topographic gradient in typical agro-pastoral zones of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
Sci Rep (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-55913-y
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-55913-y
Keywords
- Cultivated land
- Topographic gradient
- Driving factors
- PLUS model
- Hehuang Valley
Source: Ecology - nature.com
