Sustainable Intensification and Large-scale Operation of Cultivated Land Use at the Farmers' Scale: A Case Study of Shandong Province, China

Sustainable intensification of cultivated land use (SICLU) and large-scale operations (LSO) are widely acknowledged strategies for enhancing agricultural performance. However, the existing literature has faced challenges in precisely defining SICLU and constructing comprehensive indicators, which has hindered the exploration of factors influencing LSO within the SICLU framework. To address this gap, we integrated self-efficacy theory into the design of an index framework for evaluating SICLU. We subsequently employed econometric models to analyze the significant factors that impact LSO. Our findings reveal that SICLU can be divided into four key dimensions: intensive management, efficient output, resource conservation, and ecological environment optimization. Furthermore, it is crucial to incorporate belief-based cognitive factors into the index system, as farmers' understanding of fertilizer and pesticide application significantly influences their willingness to engage in LSO. Moreover, we identify grain market turnover as the most influential factor in promoting LSO, with single-factor contribution rates reaching 70.9% for cultivated land transfer willingness and 62.5% for the total planting areas. Interestingly, unlike irrigation and agricultural machinery inputs, increased labor inputs correspond to larger planting areas for farmers. This trend may be attributed to reduced labor availability because of rural labor migration, whereas the reduction in irrigation and agricultural input is contingent on innovations in production practices and the transfer of cultivated land management rights. Importantly, SICLU dynamically influences LSO, with each index related to SICLU having an optimal range that fosters LSO. These insights offer valuable guidance for policymakers, emphasizing farmers as their central focus, with the adjustment of input and output factors as a means to achieve LSO as the ultimate goal. In conclusion, we propose research avenues for further enriching the SICLU framework to ensure that it aligns with the specific characteristics of regional agricultural development.