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The Evolution of Cropland Slope Structure and Its Implications for Fragmentation and Soil Erosion in China

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  • Guangjie Liu

    (College of Resources and Environment, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
    Yunnan Soil Fertilization and Pollution Remediation Engineering Research Center, Kunming 650201, China)

  • Yi Xia

    (College of Resources and Environment, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
    Yunnan Soil Fertilization and Pollution Remediation Engineering Research Center, Kunming 650201, China)

  • Li Bao

    (College of Resources and Environment, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China
    Yunnan Soil Fertilization and Pollution Remediation Engineering Research Center, Kunming 650201, China)

Abstract

Cropland slope structure is a key factor influencing agricultural sustainability and ecological risk, especially in topographically complex regions. This study proposes a novel framework that integrates slope spectrum analysis with H3 hexagonal grid partitioning to examine the spatiotemporal dynamics of cropland slope across China from 1990 to 2023. Using 30 m CLCD land cover data, we derived key indicators, including the T-value, upper slope limit (ULS), peak area proportion (PaP), slope at maximum area (SMA), and cropland slope change index (CSCI). This grid-based, multi-indicator approach enables the fine-scale detection of slope structure transitions. Results show that the average slope of cropland fluctuated at around 4.12°, peaking at 4.18° in 2003, while the ULS remained stable at 17°, with 95% of cropland below this threshold. Regionally, cropland in southwest and northwest China was concentrated on steeper slopes (ULS > 26°, PaP < 10%), whereas flatter areas in north and south China had cropland mainly below 15°. From 1990 to 2023, upslope expansion was evident in south China (CSCI > 10), while downslope shifts aligned with high-slope cropland in the western regions. Geographically weighted regression revealed significant positive correlations between increasing ULS and CSCI and elevated cropland fragmentation and soil erosion in hilly areas. These findings highlight the ecological risks of cropland expansion into steep terrain. The proposed framework offers a spatially explicit perspective of cropland slope evolution and supports targeted strategies for land management and ecological restoration.

Suggested Citation

  • Guangjie Liu & Yi Xia & Li Bao, 2025. "The Evolution of Cropland Slope Structure and Its Implications for Fragmentation and Soil Erosion in China," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-23, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:14:y:2025:i:5:p:1093-:d:1658337
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    JEL classification:

    • H3 - Public Economics - - Fiscal Policies and Behavior of Economic Agents

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