Impact of slope farmland use change on ecosystem services value in China, 2000-2020

Slope farmland is an important component of farmland resources in China. The utilization and change of slope farmland have significant effects on ecosystems, and understanding the impact of slope farmland change on ecosystem services (ESs) is critical for effective land utilization and ecosystem protection. This study aims to analyze slope farmland changes in China between 2000 and 2020 and quantify the impact of these changes on ESs by the use of a land use dynamic attitude study, and an ecosystem services value (ESV) equivalent. Results show that the area of slope farmland in China was mainly concentrated on slopes of 2°-6°, and exhibited a downward trend between 2000 and 2020. There were significant differences in the spatial distribution of the farmland, which was mainly located in the Taihang, Qinling, Wushan, and Xuefeng mountains. ESV increased by ＄179.235 million due to the conversion between slope farmland and forest, grassland, and construction land from 2000-2010. Conversely, from 2010 to 2020, ESV decreased by ＄2613.919 million due to the conversion of forest and grassland to slope farmland as well as the conversion of slope farmland to construction land.