The nonlinear relationship between rural territorial functions and regional economic development—A case study of Yangtze River Delta, China

This study investigates the nonlinear relationship between rural territorial functions—encompassing production, living, and ecological dimensions—and economic development in China’s Yangtze River Delta (YRD) from 2000 to 2020, employing entropy weight and Kuznets curve analyses. Findings reveal pronounced regional disparities: economically advanced areas achieve balanced multifunctionality, whereas underdeveloped regions remain production-centric. Economic growth exhibits an inverted U-shaped relationship with rural functions, peaking at approximately 13,000 yuan per capita GDP, initially enhancing functions but leading to imbalances beyond this threshold. The production function follows a W-shaped trajectory, reflecting structural economic shifts, while living and ecological functions peak at intermediate development stages before stabilizing or declining. These insights underscore the necessity for tailored policies to harmonize rural functions, mitigate disparities, and balance economic growth with sustainability.