Trends and Factors Influencing the Evolution of Spatial Patterns of Cropland toward Large-Scale Agricultural Production in China

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

The paper presents a method for studying the distribution of fine-grained arable land in the B-T-H region by quantifying ENN (Nearest-Neighbour Distance) and SHI (Shape Index) indices in correlation with socio-economic factors to understand trends affecting food production. While the methodology employed shows promise, there are several areas where further clarification and exploration could enhance the depth and applicability of the research.

Firstly, the paper would benefit from providing a clearer and more concise summary of its key research findings. Currently, there is a wide range of correlations identified in the results section, which may confuse readers. A more focused discussion on the most significant correlations and their implications for agricultural land use planning and management would improve the paper's readability and impact.

Additionally, it is essential to develop a deeper understanding of the region under study. Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei may differ significantly in terms of growth trajectories, population dynamics, and socio-economic factors. Clarifying how their metropolitan footprints are defined and delineated, as shown in Figure 1, would enhance the clarity of the study and facilitate more nuanced analyses. Considering these regional differences, future research directions and policy recommendations could be tailored to be more context-sensitive and responsive to local needs and challenges.

Furthermore, exploring how the ENN and SHI factors relate to broader ecosystem services and biodiversity would enrich the study's scope and relevance. Sustainable farming practices are not solely about maximising food production; they also involve minimising environmental impacts and promoting ecosystem resilience. By integrating considerations of biodiversity conservation, soil health, and water quality into the analysis, the study could provide more holistic insights into land use dynamics and inform strategies for enhancing agricultural sustainability in the region.

In summary, while the paper presents a valuable contribution to the study of arable land distribution in the B-T-H region, further refinement and exploration of key findings and methodologies could strengthen its impact and relevance for agricultural land use planning and management in rapidly urbanising landscapes.

Author Response

I have made the modifications according to your suggestions. Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 2 Report

The article examines the trends and factors influencing the evolution of spatial patterns of cropland in order to stop the decline of large-scale agricultural production in China, in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (B-T-H) region. Agricultural land decreases has put considerable pressure on agricultural production. The situation required rapid transition to scaled agricultural production.  To illustrate changes in the spatial arrangement of agricultural land parcels, the authors choose two landscape indices. The Euclidean Nearest-Neighbor Distance (ENN) was chosen to describe the spatial dispersion and aggregation of land parcels. The Shape Index (SHI) was employed to characterize the complexity of cropland parcel shapes. Spearman correlation analysis of landscape indices and grain productivity was used to determine impacts of spatial pattern on agricultural production. Two indices were used to represent grain productivity, namely grain productivity at the provincial level and wheat and maize yield at the district level. Socio-economic factors affecting the relationships between spatial patterns and agricultural production were also investigated. A structural equation model (SEM) was constructed to examine the relationship between the most influential socio-economic factors and the ENN and SHI indices. The results are clearly analyzed in the Discussion section.

The strength of the article is the detailed analysis, quantifying the trends and factors contributing to the evolution of the spatial pattern of croplands - specific solution for a specific location. The solution has the potential to be used in other countries as well.

The findings in the Conclusion section pointed to a fundamental factor influencing land fragmentation, shape alteration, and other socio-economic factors, which is land ownership. A weakness of the article is that the results may be distorted because  "total number of households"  was used as an indicator of land ownership rather than "land ownership".

The manuscript is clear, understandable, well structured, methodologically accurate and scientifically sound. The figures and tables are appropriate. The methods used are detailed enough to be replicable. The objectives of the manuscript were met. The literature covers the issue.

I have comments on the article:

1. Improve the clarity of the description in Figure 4.

2. It is advisable to supplemet the discussed results (in The Discussion section) with links to specific tables and figures.

Author Response

I have made the modifications according to your suggestions.Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx