Spatial-temporal characteristics and strategies for the classification and optimization of cultivated land agglomeration connectivity in Jiangsu Province of China

The strategic optimization of cultivated land's spatial structure is essential for enhancing agricultural production's efficiency and sustainability. Consolidating contiguous cultivated land areas can increase economies of scale, reduce costs, and minimize ecological edge effects. Additionally, upgrading infrastructure and enhancing connectivity among these areas promote the efficient distribution and marketization of agricultural resources. This study adopted a "pixel-neighborhood-patch" approach to comprehensively evaluate the area, shape, structure, and connectivity of cultivated lands. It established a framework for assessing cultivated land agglomeration and connectivity. The research explored the spatial and temporal dynamics and optimization strategies for the cultivated land layout in Jiangsu Province from 2000 to 2020.The results indicated that the degree of cultivated land agglomeration in Jiangsu Province generally exhibited a downward trend, particularly in areas that experienced rapid economic development and urbanization. The province decreases from the central to the north and south, and 98.94% of the counties decrease to varying degrees. The connectivity of cultivated land showed significant regional differences. The connectivity in the southern region was significantly weakened, while the central to northern regions formed a connectivity advantage belt with Baoying County and Suyu District as the core. Considering the current status and trends, Jiangsu Province was divided into six regional types. The proposed optimization strategies for cultivated land, tailored to regional characteristics, included regional management, infrastructure improvement, ecological edge effect management, and technical information support. These strategies aimed to enhance the utilization efficiency and ecological stability of cultivated land, thereby promoting the healthy and sustainable development of the agricultural ecosystem. This study established a novel framework to assess the degree of agglomeration and connectivity in cultivated land, covering aspects from area, shape, and structure, to the geographical obstacles, transportation network, and agricultural management intensity that affect the connectivity of cultivated land. This framework provided a comprehensive and precise perspective on optimizing cultivated land management. Through this framework, key cultivated land protection and utilization areas can be effectively identified and targeted management strategies can be implemented. Furthermore, the research framework offers significant reference and applicability for other regions, supporting the adoption of more scientific and systematic approaches to farmland management.