Exploring the Trade‐Offs and Synergies Among Agricultural Land Use Benefits and Their Principal Influencing Factors: Implications for Sustainable Agricultural Development

Abstract

Agricultural land plays a pivotal role in safeguarding food security and improving farmers' living standards. However, its utilization faces sustainability challenges due to greenhouse gas emissions and associated environmental impacts. Improving agricultural land use benefits (ALUB) has become imperative for achieving sustainable agricultural development. This study combines the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with agricultural land systems to construct a novel “element‐structure–function‐benefit‐interaction” theoretical model for understanding ALUB. Methodologically, using county‐level data (2000–2020) from Hubei Province, we first quantified the ALUB indices for 75 counties through the evaluation index system. Then, we analyzed the spatiotemporal evolution patterns of trade‐off and synergy relationships among ALUB dimensions via a Mechanical Equilibrium Model. Finally, we identified key influencing factors using the Optimal Parameters Geographical Detector. Results show: (1) Economic, social, and comprehensive benefits showed fluctuating growth, whereas ecological benefits remained relatively stable; (2) The 2020 average coordination level (0.378) indicated basic coordination, with stable non‐high‐coordination spatial patterns; (3) Socioeconomic factors (e.g., GDP density, rural labor force) predominantly influenced trade‐off/synergy relationships. Through deviation distribution analysis, the counties were categorized into three distinct typologies: excellent ecological benefits but weak economic and poor social benefits (Quadrant I), excellent economic benefits but weak ecological and poor social benefits (Quadrant II), and excellent ecological benefits but weak social and poor economic benefits (Quadrant VI). Based on these classifications, tailored optimization strategies were proposed to enhance coordination among ALUB dimensions. This study not only enriches the conceptual framework of ALUB formation and its interrelationships but also provides practical guidance for sustainable agricultural land management.