The Use of an Optimized Grey Multi-Objective Programming-PLUS Model for Multi-Scenario Simulation of Land Use in the Weigan–Kuche River Oasis, China

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

This paper uses the GMOP-PLUS model to propose a land use allocation over the Weign River-Kuche River (Weiku) Oasis in China considering multiple interests of ecological protection, food security, and urban growth. The modeling showed that 39%, 24%, and 14% of the study area are suited for agricultural development, urban development, and ecological protection, respectively. Though I am not an expert in GMOP-PLUS model, I believe the methodological section as well as the presentation and discussion of the results are well described so that the paper deserves publication. I have the following minor issues that I would like to make available to the authors:

1. Title can be improved. For example, the Weigan River-Kuche River Oasis can be shortened to Weigan-Kuche River Oasis. My suggestion for the title is: The use of an Optimized GMOP-PLUS Model for Multi-Scenario Simulation of Land Use in the Weigan-Kuche River Oasis, China.

2. Among the 63 references, only three (15, 26, and 47) are not from China. Since Land journal is mostly dedicated to international readers, I suggest adding extra citations from other countries, especially the ones that successfully applied the GMOP-PLUS model in different applications.

3. The meanings of short names used at first time need to be provided (for example, CA, CLUE-S, FLUS, MOP-FLUS in the third paragraph of the Introduction section).

4. I suggest moving Figure 1 from the Introduction section to the first paragraph of Research Methods section.

5. L148: Please change “weather” to “climate”.

6. I suggest merging Tables 2 and 3 as a single table.

7. I suggest changing the colors of the legend of Figure 4. Red color is mostly used for unfavorable conditions while blue color is mostly used for favorable conditions, regardless of type of map.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

Moderate English editing is required.

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Oasis areas are the primary source of arable land in Xinjiang and are also the hub for human production and habitation. Predicting land use in these areas is crucial for the rational distribution of resource space. This study proposes an optimization model for land use allocation based on various objectives, including ecological protection, food security, and urban growth. The innovation point of this paper or the main expression to readers is to add the quantitative evaluation results of land suitability into the optimal allocation model of land use pattern as constraints. Before publication, the following questions are recommended for authors to consider.

1. The introduction needs to be clear: Why should land suitability assessment be introduced? If the land suitability evaluation is not considered, what problems will exist in the model? Why study the oasis, is it necessary to consider land suitability, or is the oasis very important?

2. Section 3.1.1 Here, it should be explained what are the methods of land suitability evaluation and why should this method be adopted, especially the method of weight determination why entropy weight method is chosen?

3. Section 4: The present situation of land use in the study area is suggested.

4. Section 4.2: I suggest adding the predicted result of not introducing land suitability to help illustrate the benefits of introduction in contrast.

5. Lines 489-492: not persuasive.

6. The discussion section should focus on the benefits of introducing land suitability assessment.

7. Figure 2: A North Arrow  should not be added to a map of the whole country.

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The article focuses on presenting the results of applying one of the optimization models to generate several land resource usage scenarios, using an Oasis located in the northwestern part of China as an example. Overall, the text is well-prepared in my opinion. All the components of the article contain what they should. The introduction is succinctly prepared but adequately presents the state of knowledge in the relevant field and the main assumptions of the study. The research area and sources used are correctly presented. The applied research method is described in sufficient detail, including the weights of individual indices and scenarios, as well as the functions showing the objectives of the conducted simulations. Likewise, the results, discussion, and conclusion sections do not raise any negative feelings in me. On the contrary, these sections are thoughtfully written and incorporate the effects of the conducted work and studies.

However, there are a few shortcomings in the paper that should be corrected before printing:

a) Punctuation errors, most commonly missing spaces (e.g., lines 86, 256, 360, 496), but also the lack of capital letters (line 503) or incorrect use of punctuation marks (line 508) – these are straightforward to address during the editorial process.

b) I have the impression that sentence 217 is missing its initial part – it would require rephrasing.

c) The paragraph starting from line 160 also needs revision – personal pronouns were used (lines 161, 163), and it would be better to use the impersonal form.

d) Consider reversing the color scale in Figure 2. Blue and green are typically associated with lower elevations, while brown transitioning to gray represents higher elevations – for me, this figure is confusing.

Overall, I believe that with minor corrections, the article is suitable for publication.

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Round 2

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

I have no further comments.