Sustainable Agricultural Development Models of the Ecologically Vulnerable Karst Areas in Southeast Yunnan from the Perspective of Human–Earth Areal System

Xiaoqing Zhao, Yifei Xu, Qian Wang, Junwei Pu, Xiaoqian Shi, Pei Huang and Zexian Gu
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Xiaoqing Zhao: School of Earth Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China
Yifei Xu: School of Earth Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China
Qian Wang: School of Earth Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China
Junwei Pu: Institute of International Rivers and Eco-Security, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China
Xiaoqian Shi: School of Earth Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China
Pei Huang: Institute of International Rivers and Eco-Security, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China
Zexian Gu: Institute of International Rivers and Eco-Security, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China

Land, 2022, vol. 11, issue 7, 1-19

Abstract: Rocky desertification in ecologically-fragile karst areas limit regional socio-economic development in the face of significant human–earth conflict. Coordination of ecological restoration and agricultural development is critical for sustainable development in karst areas. From the perspective of the human–earth areal system, the framework of sustainable agricultural development was proposed in typically karst areas. We integrated principles of ecological vulnerability, resource and environmental carrying capacity, agricultural foundation, suitability of agricultural land, and the farmers’ willingness. In this study, we found the ecological vulnerability of Guangnan County was slight, but the proportion of moderate and severe vulnerability areas was high, with significant differences between the two sides of the line “Zhe (Zhetu)-Lian (Liancheng)-Yang (Yang Liu-jing)-Ban (Banbang)”. Then, we divided Guangnan County into three ecologically vulnerable zones. Following that, we proposed sustainable agricultural models for various zones. In slightly to mildly vulnerable zones, we propose constructing economic–ecological agricultural models, including woody oil, plateau characteristic fruiting forest, ecological tea plantations, suburban agriculture, and cultural–ecological tourism. In moderately to severely vulnerable zones, we recommend developing a stereoscopic agriculture model that combines planting and breeding, vegetation restoration, and herbivorous animal husbandry. In extremely vulnerable zones, we suggest constructing an ecologically natural restoration model and an agricultural ecological–tourism model. Our research provides references for ecological restoration, agricultural development, poverty alleviation consolidation, and rural revitalization in ecologically vulnerable karst areas of southeast Yunnan and similar regions.

Keywords: geographic environment; human activities; fragile characteristics; socio-economic backwardness; farmers’ willingness; industrial development (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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