Land Use Optimization and Carbon Storage Estimation in the Yellow River Basin, China

Urban development and coal extraction have caused conflicts regarding production, living, ecological lands in the Yellow River basin. Here, a coupled genetic algorithm–patch generating land use simulation InVEST model was constructed to optimize use/land cover (LULC) simulate carbon storage changes. This study shows that LULC changed dramatically from 2010 2020 an area accounts for 31.96% of Inappropriate conversion encroachment reduced by 2.92 × 106 t, destroying stability ecosystem. The cities has encroached on cultivated land, which may affected region’s food security. Following optimization, are gradually being restored, transition between different tends be orderly, resulting increase 24.84 t storage. relationship high intensity woodland, grassland, is crucial ensuring regional balance. For basin, necessary environmental protection measures key achieving high-quality economic development. can provide guidance decision-makers formulating ecosystem restoration plans.