An ecological footprint approach for cropland use sustainability based on multi-objective optimization modelling

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Environmental Science
• Ecology

Background:

• Cropland productivity varies, impacting the society-economy-ecology-environment balance.
• Sustainable cropland management is crucial for supporting complex systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a model for evaluating cropland use sustainability.
• To provide insights into ecological supply-demand dynamics of cropland use.
• To aid policymakers in optimizing cropland use patterns.

Main Methods:

• Integration of the revised ecological footprint model with multi-objective optimization.
• Application of the model to cropland use management in Heilongjiang Province, China.
• Evaluation of ecological safety using crop ecological footprint and carrying capacity.

Main Results:

• The model successfully generated sustainable cropland use patterns.
• Equilibrium was achieved in water use efficiency, net economic benefit, land allocation equity, and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Ecological safety of different cropland use patterns was determined.

Conclusions:

• The developed model effectively reconciles multiple dimensions in agroecosystems.
• The model provides policy alternatives for efficient and sustainable cropland allocation.
• It is applicable to other regions facing land and water resource limitations.