Explanation of land-use system evolution: Modes, trends, and mechanisms

Deepening the theoretical discussion of land-use systems (LUSs) supports land system science and regional sustainable development. This research discusses the demand-driven mode and spatial development mode of the evolution of LUS; further, it explores the underlying trends of the evolution of LUS, analyzes the links and cross-scale interactions between the evolution and transformation of LUS, and presents an empirical study on Shuangda Village, Guangxi, China. The following conclusions have been obtained: (1) "Benefits demands – internal-external interaction – structural evolution – functional development" represents the demand-driven mode of the evolution and growth of LUS. While theoretically, this mode can run in an infinite loop, in reality, regional LUS and its corresponding social system will develop into a steady-state phase. (2) "Extensive expansion – internal densification – scale breakthrough" represents the mode of spatial development and expansion of LUS. The key clue to the formation of this mode lies in "benefits demands". If LUS can achieve a "scale breakthrough", a higher-level "extensive expansion" development will be initiated. (3) The evolutions of LUSs follow two underlying trends: integration and decoupling. Spatial and functional differentiation is the process of promoting the integration or decoupling of LUSs. The integration of multiple LUSs is a process of their synergy, differentiation, and division of labor. The decoupling of LUS represents the local redifferentiation and redivision of labor under the background of local independence and overall de-synergization of the LUS. (4) There is a "quantitative change – qualitative change" link between the evolution and transformation of LUS, which runs through the cross-scale or multi-scales. The "benefits demands" is the main line running through the evolution and transformation of LUS at all scales. The smaller the spatial scale and scope of the observation unit, the easier it is to accelerate the overall velocity of the evolution and transformation of LUS. Cross-scale interactions between the evolution and transformation of LUS can guide the regional division of labor, improve the regional supply-demand circulation, and unlock development opportunities and benefits. (5) The development process of Shuangda Village verifies the theory of this research. The trend of the LUS of Shuangda Village to integrate with the larger-scale LUS of the outside world is being strengthened. While Shuangda Village has achieved progress in land-use transformation and rural revitalization, it also faces difficulties.