Dynamic changes and transitions of agricultural landscape patterns in mountainous areas: A case study from the hinterland of the Three Gorges Reservoir Area

Analyzing the agricultural landscape patterns in mountainous areas is critical to clarify dynamic changes and development direction of landscapes. This also plays a significant role rational planning management land. A theoretical framework for pattern transitions proposed fill gap current research with an empirical study Caotangxi Watershed, Three Gorges Reservoir Area (TGRA), China. The transition characteristics from 2000 2018 as represented by sloping farmland, abandoned land, orchards are analyzed holistic-local perspective. results indicate that expanded along river valleys, land at high elevations, which led reduced farmland. phenomenon gives regional differences holistic local levels. Namely, it enhances region’s diversity but causes fragmentation aggregation patches areas. within farming range area manifested primarily four modes: farmland-orchard conversion type (FOCT), comprehensive (CCT), partially (PAT), wholly (WAT). Each mode reveals different stages patterns. In general, driven socioeconomic factors TGRA bidirectional. attribute expressed traditional grain-planting even distribution eco-economic win-win orchard valleys farmland high-elevation Overall, this reveal uniqueness evolutions China’s recent decades, has enlightened in-depth understandings rural use ecosystems TGRA, well improvements developments ecological environments.