Spatiotemporal evolution and regulation strategies of land use structure–function conflicts in arid valley areas: a case study of the Ili River Valley

Scientific identification of land use conflicts is essential for territorial spatial optimization in ecologically fragile arid valleys. Taking the Ili River Valley as a case study, we developed a grid-based structure–function framework that integrates landscape pattern analysis, scale optimization, and land suitability evaluation. The main results are as follows: (1) the optimal grain size and analysis window were 120 m and 6 km × 6 km, respectively; (2) from 2000 to 2020, structural conflicts showed a fluctuating upward trend, with moderate-low and moderate conflicts dominating the study area; (3) agricultural, construction, and ecological suitability showed clear spatial mismatch and overlap, and high-intensity functional conflicts were concentrated in highly urbanized plains, reflecting competition among production, living, and ecological spaces; and (4) four comprehensive conflict zones were identified. The dual out-of-control zone was the largest type in five of the six study years, accounting for 34.84–43.36% of all grid units, whereas the single-structure out-of-control zone became the largest type in 2008. These findings provide a basis for differentiated territorial spatial management in the Ili River Valley and similar arid valley regions.