Comprehensive Benefit Evaluation of Saline–Alkali Land Consolidation Based on the Optimal Land Use Value: Evidence from Jilin Province, China

Man Teng, Longzhen Ni, Hua Li and Wenhui Chen ()
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Man Teng: School of Economics and Managements, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
Longzhen Ni: School of Economics and Managements, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
Hua Li: School of Economics and Managements, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
Wenhui Chen: School of Economics and Managements, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China

Land, 2025, vol. 14, issue 8, 1-24

Abstract: China, facing severe saline–alkali land degradation, is grappling with the paradox of technically adequate but systemically deficient land consolidation. In response to the existing evaluation system’s over-reliance on physicochemical indicators and neglect of socioeconomic value, this study proposes the use of the Optimal Land Use Value (OLV) to construct a comprehensive benefit evaluation indicator system for saline–alkali land consolidation that encompasses ecosystem resilience, supply–demand balancing, and common prosperity. Considering a case project implemented from 2019 to 2022 in the Western Songnen Plain of China—one of the world’s most severely affected soda saline–alkali regions—this study combines the land use transition matrix with a comprehensive evaluation model to systematically assess the effectiveness and sustainability of land consolidation. The results reveal systemic deficiencies: within ecological spaces, short-term desalination succeeds but pH and organic matter improvements remain inadequate, while ecosystem vulnerability increases due to climate fluctuations and grassland conversion. In production spaces, cropland expansion and saline land reduction are effective, but water resource management proves unsustainable. Living spaces show improved infrastructure and income but face threats due to economic simplification and intergenerational unsustainability. For the investigated case, recommendations include shifting from technical restoration to systemic governance via three strategies: (1) biological–engineering synergy employing green manure to enhance soil microbial activity; (2) hydrological balancing through groundwater quotas and rainwater utilization; (3) specialty industry development for rural economic diversification. This study contributes empirical evidence on the conversion of saline–alkali land, as well as an evaluation framework of wider relevance for developing countries combating land degradation and pursuing rural revitalization.

Keywords: saline–alkali land conversion; land consolidation; comprehensive benefit evaluation; indicator system; land degradation; rural revitalization; ecosystem resilience (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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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jlands:v:14:y:2025:i:8:p:1687-:d:1728903

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