Optimal land sharing/sparing pattern to synergize grain yield and ecosystem services of cropland: A case study of Chengdu, China

Abstract

Sustainable intensification of agricultural landscapes requires innovative approaches to reconcile food production with ecological conservation. While the land sparing and sharing framework has advanced our understanding of biodiversity–yield trade-offs, critical gaps remain in addressing multifunctional ecosystem services and spatial scale effects. This study proposes an integrated “Yield–LSS–ESS” framework incorporating grain yield, land sparing/sharing index (LSS), and four key ecosystem services (carbon sequestration, hydrological regulation, soil regulation, and habitat quality). Applying this framework to Chengdu, China (2000–2020), we conducted multi-scale spatial analyses (1–10 km grids) combined with multi-scenario potential assessments to identify optimal land-use patterns. Results demonstrate that strategic landscape reconfiguration could simultaneously increase grain production by 2.50 % (5.71 million tons) and enhance ecosystem services by 4.46 %. The 9 × 9 km spatial scale emerged as optimal for implementing land–use strategies, achieving robust model fits for “Yield–LSS–ESS” relationships. This study presents a spatially explicit and scalable framework that links landscape configuration with multifunctional ecosystem services, identifies critical spatial scales for agricultural decision-making, and provides empirical evidence to guide context-specific land-use optimization. These insights offer practical guidance for policymakers balancing food security and ecological sustainability amid rapid urbanization and intense land-use pressures.