The Spatial-Temporal Distribution of the Coupling between Urbanization and Farmland Resources in the Mainland of China

An evaluation index system was constructed for the coupling between urbanization and farmland resources, based on data from 31 provinces in the mainland of China. Using the Grey Relational Analysis method, the spatial-temporal variations of the coupling between them can be revealed. The conclusions of this study were: (1) the stress of urbanization on farmland resources is dominated by economic urbanization, while this kind of constraint also produces the strongest influence on the status (endowment) of the arable resources; (2) viewed over time, the coupling degree in Chinese provinces between urbanization and farmland resources shows volatility and internal differences: East > West > Central regions, and the causes for these differences are also discussed; (3) The interaction between them is spatially strong, and the coupling degree is relatively close and high, showing the coexisting features of complexity and specificity. Combining the coupling with the urban level the 31 provinces can be categorized into four types: Low-level Coupled Mode, Antagonism Mode, Transition Mode and Coordination Mode.