Relationship between landscape diversity and crop production: a case study in the Hebei Province of China based on multi-source data integration

This paper explores the relationship between landscape diversity and crop production using big data techniques. In the case study area of Hebei Province, China, there is a positive ecological effect of landscape diversity on crop production (coefficient of H (Shannon's index) and H-2 on crop production are 7.9665 and -2.2388 respectively), and a negative effect via operating cultivated land change (coefficient of H and H-2 on cultivated land change are -5.4253 and 1.5520 respectively). This negative effect is measured with big data techniques and is explained by variables such as the ratio of cultivated land and other basic local conditions. The net effect of landscape diversity on crop production is negative, all else the same, reflecting the strength of the impact through cultivated land change. Thus, it is important to adhere to a certain level of landscape diversity if crop production is to be sustained. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.