Spatial heterogeneity in cropland multifunctionality trade-offs and their drivers: A case study of the Huaihai Economic Zone, China

Analyzing the characteristics, interactions, and factors influencing cropland functions across spatial scales is crucial for effective cropland management and decision-making. Using the Huaihai Economic Zone of China as a case study, we mapped the pattern of the cropland production-living-ecology function (PLEF), assessed the synergistic and trade-off relationships, and analyzed the driving mechanisms at multiple scales. The results showed that (1) the spatial pattern of the PLEF and functional cluster characteristics of cropland are scale dependent. Additionally, the clustering characteristics of the spatial distribution of PLEF increase with scale. (2) The direction and intensity of PLEF trade-offs and synergies change with scale, with the intensity of action being more obviously affected by scale. (3) The drivers of the cropland PLEF at the grid and county scales indicate that the intensity of action increases with scale, and the county scale is crucial in determining the direction of action. We propose a hierarchical spatial control system for cropland at the county-township-site scale, which can enhance the compatibility between cropland control design and regional conditions and promote the sustainable development of regional cropland.