Balancing Productivity and Sustainability: Insights into Cultivated Land Use Efficiency in Arid Region of Northwest China

Cultivated land use efficiency in arid regions holds critical significance in the face of mounting global challenges such as climate change and stringent carbon emission targets. This research delves into the intricate dynamics of cultivating arid lands, emphasizing the need to balance productivity with ecological sustainability. By integrating grain production and carbon emission constraints, our study unveils temporal and spatial variations in cultivated land use efficiency, shedding light on the driving factors behind these changes. Notably, the arid region of Northwest China serves as a unique case study, covering approximately 21.8% of the nation’s land area. Our findings indicate distinct patterns in cultivated land use efficiency, challenging conventional trends observed in other regions. Agricultural machinery inputs emerge as a principal driving factor, highlighting the pivotal role of technology in enhancing efficiency. This research underscores the necessity of localized policies and quality protection plans tailored to the natural geographical environment. It also emphasizes the role of technological innovation and economic development in shaping the transition to modern agriculture. The study underscores the critical role of knowledge creation, dissemination, and application in optimizing cultivated land use efficiency, drawing parallels with the knowledge-based economy. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers, agricultural stakeholders, and local authorities, advocating for region-specific strategies and green agricultural technologies to achieve a balanced and sustainable approach to land use. The study serves as a foundational step toward understanding the complex relationship between farmers, land use, and ecological sustainability in the arid region of Northwest China. Future research endeavors should aim to deepen our understanding of the interplay between socio-economic, environmental, and technological factors, further advancing sustainable agricultural practices in this challenging context.