Research on the Multidimensional Valuation and Spatial Differentiation of Cultivated Land Resources in the Pearl River–Xijiang Economic Belt, China

Revealing the multidimensional value and spatial distribution of cultivated land (CL) resources is crucial for formulating scientific and reasonable CL protection policies and regional ecological supplements. This study takes the Pearl River–Xijiang Economic Belt (PRXJEB), China, as the study area, calculates the economic, social, ecological, and comprehensive values of CL resources based on the county scale, and analyzes the spatial distribution characteristics and influencing factors of CL resource value so as to provide a reference for protecting CL resources in the PRXJEB and promoting the healthy and scientific development of the economic belt. The income reduction method, alternative market method, and equivalent factor method were applied to calculate the economic, social, and ecological values of CL resources in 88 counties in 2021, respectively. Furthermore, spatial autocorrelation analysis was employed to reveal their distribution characteristics and influencing factors. The results show that (1) there are significant differences in the value of CL resources in the counties of the PRXJEB, and the value of CL resources is generally low. (2) The value of CL resources in the PRXJEB generally follows a distribution pattern of “higher in the east and lower in the west”. (3) The value of CL resources in the PRXJEB is mainly affected by natural conditions and the level of socio-economic development. Therefore, in view of the low value of CL resources and its spatial differentiation characteristics in the PRXJEB, it is recommended to strengthen land consolidation and improve the quality of CL, improve CL infrastructure and strengthen the introduction of agricultural science and technology, enhance policies to benefit farmers, and adjust farmers’ behaviour.