Green innovation transition of intensive cropland: a spatial and temporal characterization in the Yangtze River Delta region, China

Background This study explores the spatiotemporal characteristics and key driving factors of intensive cropland green innovation transitions in the Yangtze River Delta region (YRD) from 2000 to 2020. The aim is to understand how urbanization, agricultural restructuring, and green productivity improvements have influenced cropland sustainability. Methods A comprehensive analytical framework was constructed from three dimensions: landscape attributes, structural attributes, and production attributes. Using landscape pattern indices, Shannon diversity index, and green total factor productivity (GTFP) calculated via data envelopment analysis (DEA), this study quantified changes in cropland use and agricultural practices over two decades. Results The findings revealed significant cropland reduction, particularly in highly urbanized areas such as Shanghai and Jiangsu, driven by rapid urban expansion and industrialization. Agricultural diversity improved in cities like Ningbo and Nantong, while Shanghai experienced a decline in planting diversity. GTFP significantly increased across most cities due to technological advancements, especially in Nanjing and Hangzhou. However, regions such as Hefei showed limited progress in green technological adoption. Intensive Cropland is undergoing rapid transformation, and there are obvious signs of internal differentiation in economically developed regions, with more pronounced changes in regions. Conclusion This study concludes that region-specific strategies are necessary to balance urban growth with cropland preservation, optimize agricultural structures, and promote green agricultural technologies to ensure sustainable agricultural development in the YRD.