Ecological Network Characteristics of Cultivated Land Carbon Flows in Major Grain‐Producing Regions: Case Study of Jingzhou City, China

ABSTRACT

Land‐use changes related to cultivated land significantly affect the regional carbon budget in major grain‐producing regions, yet the ecological network characteristics of cultivated land carbon flows remain insufficiently understood. This study developed an integrated framework that combined ecological network analysis with spatial analysis to assess cultivated land carbon flows in Jingzhou City, China (2000–2020). Network flow analysis revealed that harmful flows dominated throughout, first intensifying then easing, driven by the conversion of cultivated land to transportation and industrial land. Spatial analysis showed that beneficial flows were concentrated southeast of the geometric center before shifting westward, while harmful flows remained centered near the geometric center, oscillating between the southeast and northwest. Network structure analysis identified cultivated land as the central hub, consistently dominating driving weight across all periods, while its own traction weight was also substantial and rose steadily. Network utility analysis revealed a pronounced structural imbalance: exploitation and control relationships along with competition relationships dominated (92.86%) while mutualism relationships remained minimal (7.14%). The ecological utility index remained below 1 throughout the study period, indicating a persistently negative ecological effect. These findings provide a framework and insights for low‐carbon land‐use management in Jingzhou City and other comparable regions facing similar development pressures.