Exploring the intrinsic correlation between QiAi distribution and climate in Hubei province based on multi-source data

This study explores the intrinsic correlation between the distribution of Qi Ai, a regionally significant medicinal herb in Hubei Province, and climatic factors using multi-source data and ecological modeling. By integrating entropy weight method, expert judgment, and the MaxEnt model, we evaluated the climatic suitability for Qi Ai cultivation under current (1970–2000) and future (2021–2040) climate scenarios. Results indicate that temperature (e.g., annual mean temperature and wettest quarter temperature), precipitation (e.g., coldest quarter precipitation), and soil properties (clay and sand content) are dominant factors influencing Qi Ai distribution. The MaxEnt model demonstrated high reliability (AUC = 0.789) in predicting future suitable areas, identifying Hengche, Guanyao, Zhangbang, and Xiangqiao as optimal zones. These findings provide scientific guidance for regional Qi Ai cultivation planning and climate-resilient agricultural practices.