Spatial diversity of coupled synergistic paths of rural settlements and sloping cultivated land utilization in karst mountain areas of Southwest China: A case study of Huajiang Canyon

Abstract

With the rapid development of urban-rural integration and socioeconomic, the utilization of rural settlements (RS) and sloping cultivated land (SCL) in the karst mountain areas (KMA) of Southwest China is gradually changing. Clarifying the evolving relationship between RS and SCL is crucial for coordinating human-land relations and promoting rural development. Therefore, this study attempts to reveal the spatial coupling relationship between the two and analyze the transformation of the human-land relationship reflected by these changes. Firstly, this study constructs a theoretical framework for the coupled evolution of RS and SCL in the KMA of Southwest China and the change in human-land relations reflected by the two. Then, based on typical cases, we conduct empirical analysis. The findings of this study are as follows: (1) The dynamics of RS and SCL have changed significantly, with the area of RS showing an increasing trend over time, while that of SCL initially increased and then decreased. (2) RS are predominantly distributed in middle elevation zones, whereas SCL is mainly distributed in middle and high elevation zones, both concentrated in areas with steeper slopes. (3) The distribution structure of coupled types of RS and SCL is different and is influenced by socioeconomic, natural environment, and policy factors. (4) Under different geomorphic units, the coupling relationship between RS and SCL is diverse, reflecting variations in human-land relations. This study provides a theoretical basis for regulating the human-land relationship and offers empirical cases for addressing the challenges of sustainable rural development in the KMA.