Spatial-temporal distribution of cultivated land production capacity in Shaanxi province

In order to evaluate the status of cultivated land production capacity in Shaanxi province, indexes of cultivated land capacity were analyzed based on average grain yield data of each county (2008-2010) and GIS software. The indexes were composed of realistic use capacity of cultivated land, theoretical use capacity of cultivated land, realizable production capacity and theoretical production capacity, meanwhile space distribution of the indexes were represented. Sequential variation of cultivated land pressure index were calculated based on data of grain yield and grain consumption form 1978 to 2008 of Shaanxi province. The result showed that cultivated land with smaller realistic use capacity of mainly spread over mid of north Shaanxi and westward of mid Shaanxi and were major input regions of agricultural technology and labor force. Theoretical use capacity of cultivated land index was stronger in central and western regions than north and southeast region in Shaanxi. In addition, sequential variation of cultivated land pressure index with among years was presented as a larger fluctuation and demonstrated the contradiction between cultivated land protection and occupation trend towards moderate because of agricultural technological progress and policies guidance in the last few years. The size of realizable production capacity was ranked as following sequence: mid of Northern Shaanxi and westward of Central Shaanxi ＞north of Northern Shaanxi and Central Shaanxi＞south region of Shaanxi. Meanwhile, theoretical production capacity of southeast region was higher than that of northwest region in Shaanxi province. This research provides scientific evidences for planning cultivated land use and food security.