Land cover dynamics and net primary productivity in Hubei Province, China: an integrative analysis of ecological and landscape transitions

To better protect the ecological environment, this study investigates the evolution of the landscape in Hubei Province and its impact on Net Primary Production (NPP). By utilizing landscape assessment tools and neighborhood proxy methods, it quantifies the changes in NPP resulting from landscape transformations over periods of 5 and 20 years. The results indicate significant NPP variations, with changes ranging from −406.199 to 507.181 g*C/m2. The geographical detector model identifies key drivers, particularly noting significant changes in landscape features at type boundaries, which affect NPP. Land cover, especially transitions between forests, shrublands, and croplands, is identified as a critical factor. This research highlights the complex relationship between landscape modifications and NPP variations, emphasizing the importance of ecological considerations in landscape management amid urbanization. It offers valuable insights for future landscape management and conservation strategies in Hubei, aiming for ecological preservation alongside development. Additionally, this work fills a theoretical gap by linking changes in landscape features to NPP, proposing new perspectives for landscape protection and ecological capacity enhancement, and providing practical guidance for improving NPP and coordinated landscape management in Hubei.