Analysis of the spatio-temporal distribution pattern of cropland in Guanzhong Plain urban agglomeration from 2000 to 2020

The characteristics of cropland spatial distribution, along with the level of cropland concentration, can serve as a foundational framework for devising rational and impactful policies concerning cropland preservation and the utilization of cropland resources. The present study examines the characteristics of cropland distribution across both space and time within the urban agglomeration of the Guanzhong Plain, utilizing land use data spanning five distinct periods from 2000 to 2020. The methodologies employed include the cropland index, the land use transition matrix, the center of gravity model, and the standard deviational ellipse. The results show that: (1) the distribution of cropland in the Guanzhong Plain urban agglomeration is not balanced, the highly concentrated area is concentrated in the Guanzhong Plain area in the central part of the country, and the degree of aggregation of cropland in Xi'an and Pingliang has decreased significantly in the past 20a. (2) Significant transfer of cropland to construction land and grassland occurs, in which cropland is shifted to construction land of 1,927.91km², accounting for 44.8% of the shifted area, with the peak occurring in 2015-2020. Cropland shifted to grassland 1760.26km², accounting for 40.9% of the shifted area, with the peak occurring in 2005-2010. (3) The center of gravity of cropland in the Guanzhong Plain urban agglomeration generally shifted to the southwest, and the distance, rate and standard ellipse difference area continued to decline.