Spatiotemporal dynamics of climate and agricultural landscape patterns in Xinjiang, China (2000-2015)

This study integrated remote sensing, geographic information system, landscape ecology, and spatial analysis, and is based on meteorological data and four remote sensing images (2000-2015). The aim of this study was to analyse climate trends and spatiotemporal changes in agricultural landscape patterns, and calculate agricultural ecosystem service value (AESV) in Xinjiang, China. In addition, correlation analysis further enabled the quantification of agricultural landscape pattern changes in response to climate change. Results showed that temperature and precipitation registered a fluctuating ascending trend in most areas of Xinjiang. Landscape diversity and fragmentation increased during the same period. AESV showed a trend of gradual increase, the waste disposal and the water retention are the most important ecological functions. Besides, agricultural landscape pattern significantly correlated to climate and the effect of precipitation on agricultural landscape patterns has been greater than the effect of temperature during 2000-2015. (paper)