LANDUSE AND LAND CARRYING CAPACITY IN ECOTONE BETWEEN AGRICULTURE AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY IN NORTHERN CHINA
中国北方农牧交错带土地利用与人口负荷研究

This paper reviews predecessors' understanding on ecotone between agriculture and animal husbandry,introduces the concept applied in northern China and regional boundaries of the ecotone,and points out that zonal and azonal geographic factors are accountable for the interlocking characteristics of farming and animal husbandry in landuse patterns.Six spatial landuse patterns are identified in the ecotone.The paper suggests that with the increase of population supporting capacity,regulation of landsue spatial patterns is an essential way to ensure future ecological and food security of the ecotone.