An empirical study on the impact of green transition of farmland use on agricultural economic growth: A case of Hubei Province of China

Farmland use challenges reflect the current complexities facing China's agricultural economic development. This study focuses on 70 counties in Hubei Province of China, with the objective of exploring the spatial relationship between green transition of farmland use and agricultural economic growth. Furthermore, it seeks to quantify their effects and assess regional heterogeneity. Here are the findings: (1) There is a notable positive spatial correlation observed between agricultural economic growth and the various subsystems as well as factor layers of the green transition of farmland use. (2) The optimization of the quantity and form of farmland has a positive promoting effect on agricultural economic growth in both the local county and adjoining counties. In contrast, the spatial pattern, ecological function, intensive use, and environmental friendliness of farmland have a negative effect. (3) The influence factors of the green transition of farmland use on agricultural economic growth show significant spatial heterogeneity, with the overall effect degree being in the following order: northern hillock, central plain, western mountain range, and eastern hills. The influence on neighboring agricultural economic growth also exhibits significant spatial differentiation, with the overall effect degree following this order: eastern hills, northern hillock, central plain, and western mountain range. Targeted suggestions are proposed to promote the green transition of farmland use and achieve sustainable agricultural economic growth.