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Optimization of the Loess Plateau of the China Ecological Network Pattern Based on a PLUS Model

Author

Listed:
  • Xiaoyan Luo

    (College of Geography and Planning, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China)

  • Xun Luo

    (Sichuan Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Center, Chengdu 610045, China)

  • Xianhua Yang

    (Sichuan Province Geological Data Center, Chengdu 610031, China)

  • Jian Wang

    (College of Geography and Planning, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Jialing Liao

    (Sichuan Environmental Engineering Assessment Center, Chengdu 610041, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Yu He

    (Sichuan Environmental Engineering Assessment Center, Chengdu 610041, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Ye Du

    (Sichuan Environmental Engineering Assessment Center, Chengdu 610041, China)

  • Ye Yang

    (Sichuan Environmental Engineering Assessment Center, Chengdu 610041, China)

Abstract

Optimizing the ecological network is an urgent need to enhance the stability of the ecosystem and maintain regional ecological security. We utilized the PLUS (Patch-generating Land Use Simulation) model to simulate the land use patterns of the Loess Plateau of China under four different development scenarios in 2030, constructed the corresponding ecological network, and evaluated the network structure. The results indicate the following: (1) By 2030, the spatial pattern of ecological network under the four scenarios will be concentrated in the east and west, in the north and south, and the middle of the Loess Plateau. (2) The change of land use pattern driven by a single policy has a trade-off effect on the ecological network and is prone to form the phenomenon of “ecological increase–functional lag”. (3) The regional ecological network layout of “four cores, multiple corridors and multiple sources” was proposed. The results reveal the development trends of land-use change and ecological protection construction under different future development scenarios in the Loess Plateau, which is helpful for decision-makers to balance the relationship between ecological protection and economic development and realize regional sustainable development.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiaoyan Luo & Xun Luo & Xianhua Yang & Jian Wang & Jialing Liao & Yu He & Ye Du & Ye Yang, 2025. "Optimization of the Loess Plateau of the China Ecological Network Pattern Based on a PLUS Model," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-21, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:14:y:2025:i:7:p:1488-:d:1704329
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    References listed on IDEAS

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