Spatial identification and determinants of trade-offs among multiple land use functions in Jiangsu Province, China

Understanding the relationships among multiple land use functions (LUFs) is crucial for land-based spatial planning that can guide targeted land use policy-making in complex socio-ecological systems. However, few studies concerned the interactions among various LUFs integrating the issues of economy, environment, and society at a fine scale. In this study, we quantified 12 LUFs using a geospatial model and statistical analysis at the grid scale in Jiangsu Province. Then, we identified the relationships among three primary LUFs—agricultural production function (APF), urban-rural living function (ULF), and ecological maintenance function (EMF)—and further explored the determinants of LUF trade-offs aimed to provide a reference for policy-makers to make decisions in future land use planning and management. The results revealed that the high trade-off areas for APF and ULF are mainly distributed in central and northern Jiangsu, and the trade-offs for both APF-EMF and ULF-EMF were higher in the area covered with water and forest. The determinants of LUF trade-offs mainly refers to land use/land cover, potential evapotranspiration, and vegetation coverage ratio. Moreover, landscape configuration metrics and distance to the nearest county and nearest road also have remarkable impacts on the trade-offs of APF-EMF and ULF-EMF. Finally, we proposed that the concepts of LUF trade-offs should be incorporated into the processes of delineating boundaries for urban growth, farmland, and natural areas. We also propose that land consolidation projects should be implemented in an orderly manner to alleviate LUF trade-offs. [Display omitted] •The framework of land use functions (LUFs) classification is established based on the perspective of land spatial planning.•LUFs are quantified using multi-source data and the spatial trade-offs among multiple LUFs are measured at the grid scale.•The major drivers and mechanism of LUF trade-offs are investigated using geographical detector model.•The concepts of LUF trade-offs need to be incorporated into the processes of strategic land spatial planning and management