Topography and rural settlement control the evolution of sloping cropland toward diversity—evidence from the Three Gorges Reservoir Area over half a century

Key Points

• Diversity in sloping cropland has evolved significantly over 50 years, reflecting the influence of topography and rural settlement.
• Key findings reveal increased biodiversity, with cropland diversity rising from 30% to 55% in response to environmental changes.
• Analysis of land use patterns over decades illustrates how geographic features affect agricultural practices and ecological health.
• This highlights the importance of considering topographical and settlement factors in sustainable land management strategies.