Research on Grain Production Services in the Hexi Corridor Based on the Link Relationship of “Water–Soil–Carbon–Grain”

Baiyang Li, Fuping Zhang (), Qi Feng, Yongfen Wei, Guangwen Li and Zhiyuan Song
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Baiyang Li: School of Geography and Tourism, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China
Fuping Zhang: School of Geography and Tourism, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China
Qi Feng: Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
Yongfen Wei: Center for Environmental and Societal Sustainability, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
Guangwen Li: School of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Xi’an University, Xi’an 710065, China
Zhiyuan Song: School of Politics and Public Administration, Qinghai Minzu University, Xining 810007, China

Land, 2025, vol. 14, issue 8, 1-22

Abstract: Elucidating the trade-offs and synergies among ecosystem services is crucial for effective ecosystem management and the promotion of sustainable development in specific regions. The Hexi Corridor, a vital agricultural hub in Northwest China, is instrumental in both ecological conservation and socioeconomic advancement throughout the area. Utilizing an integrated “water–soil–carbon–grain” framework, this study conducted a quantitative assessment of four essential ecosystem services within the Hexi Corridor from 2000 to 2020: water yield, soil conservation, vegetation carbon sequestration, and grain production. Our research thoroughly explores the equilibrium and synergistic interactions between grain production and other ecosystem services, while also exploring potential strategies to boost grain yields through the precise management of these services. The insights garnered are invaluable for strategic regional development and will contribute to the revitalization efforts in Northwest China. Key findings include the following: (1) between 2000 and 2020, grain production exhibited a steady increase, alongside rising trends in water yields, soil conservation, and carbon sequestration, all of which demonstrated significant synergies with agricultural productivity; (2) in areas identified as grain production hotspots, there were stronger positive correlations between grain output and carbon sequestration services, soil conservation, and water yields than the regional averages, suggesting more pronounced mutual benefits; (3) the implementation of strategic initiatives such as controlling soil erosion, expanding afforestation efforts, and enhancing water-saving irrigation infrastructure could simultaneously boost ecological services and agricultural productivity. These results significantly enhance our comprehension of the interplay between ecosystem services in the Hexi Corridor and present practical approaches for the optimization of regional agricultural systems.

Keywords: agricultural production; link of “W-S-C-G”; ecosystem services; Hexi Corridor (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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