Estimation of Potential and Convertible Arable Land in China

Abstract

It is an urgent subject to know the geographical distribution of potential arable land in order to estimate the potential land productivity in China. In this study we have developed a 2km-grid digital map of potential arable land of China in consideration of only natural conditions, such as topographical factors, climatic factors, and soil and water factors. Furthermore, we have developed a map of convertible arable land by overlaying with the map of potential arable land and that of actual arable land in 1997. The results showed that:(1) A large amount ofconvertible arable land is distributed in the north of China, such as Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang and Liaoning Provinces, while a small amount of convertible land in the south and Qingzang Plateau;(2) Some areas in Shanxi, Shaanxi provinces in the Loess Plateau and Sichuan Province, which are considered not to be suitable for cultivation, have been cultivated. In such areas, cultivation should be stopped and cultivated land should be returned to grassland or forestland.