Spatial layout planning of the pig northward movement based on GIS

Abstract

This study aimed to optimise the layout of pig breeding in the south water network area and guide the transfer of pig production capacity to the areas with large environmental capacity and the main maize-producing areas. Combining with the alarm value of equivalent pig manure load on cultivated land, the comprehensive advantage index of maize and GIS (Geographic Information System), this study analysed the spatial layout planning of the pig northward movement in China. Results showed that the alarm value of equivalent pig manure load on cultivated land in other parts of the study area exceeded 0.40, except in Jilin, Heilongjiang and the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The highest alarm value of equivalent pig manure load on cultivated land value of 1.96 was observed in Fujian Province, followed by Jiangxi (1.09) and Hubei (0.42). A total of 573.996 million excess pig equivalents were present in the study area. In the provinces with potential pig equivalent, Jilin, Heilongjiang and the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region can carry the potential pig equivalent of 306.270 million. The priority target areas of the pig northward movement were Jilin, Heilongjiang and the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region according to the comprehensive advantage index of maize. Combining with the spatial analysis method of GIS, the scheme of the pig northward movement was obtained. According to the spatial layout planning of the pig northward movement, Jilin and Heilongjiang carried 15.339 and 135.36 million pig equivalents, respectively, thereby reaching the maximum number of pig equivalents they can carry, whereas the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region can carry 80.086 million pig equivalents. The results can provide a scientific basis for the spatial layout planning of pig breeding and environmental pollution protection in China.

Keywords: Carrying capacity; GIS; Maize; Pig breeding; Sustainable agriculture.