Spatial heterogeneity and trade-offs of agricultural functions in plateau basin: A case study of Dianchi Lake basin, China.

Plateau basin, characterized by strong radiation, climate variability, and ecological fragility, pose complex challenges for agriculture, requiring a balance between production and ecological goals. The unclear mechanisms underlying the evolution and interaction of agricultural functions (AFs) constrain the formulation of spatial and environmental policies in plateau regions.This research aims to understand the dynamic changes and trade-offs among different AFs in a typical plateau basin. It quantitatively assesses three AFs (production, social, and ecological functions) and nine sub-functions in the Dianchi Lake Basin, examining their spatiotemporal evolution and interrelations, with a particular focus on trade-off analysis. It also identifies the factors influencing trade-offs between different AF pairs using the Random Forest algorithm and SHapley Additive exPlanations. The results indicate that in the Dianchi Lake Basin, agricultural functions exhibit significant spatial heterogeneity. The production and social functions have gradually declined, while ecological functions have strengthened. The trade-offs between production and ecological functions are pronounced, with high trade-off zones located in townships around the lake. This research reveals that socioeconomic development, natural factors, location, and environmental regulations influence AF trade-offs. Key thresholds include slopes of 5-12°, annual precipitation of 1010-1050 mm, and distances within 2 km of the lake. The results also highlight the interactive effects and threshold dynamics of influencing factors. These findings provide insights for sustainable agricultural development and ecological protection in plateau basins.