Transforming China's Food Systems Through Joint Spatial Optimization and Management of Crop‐Livestock Production

Abstract

The spatial segregation of crop and livestock production in China, a cornerstone of its agricultural industrialization, has created critical challenges for achieving sustainable food systems. However, the spatial segregation of crop and livestock systems driven by industrialization and market forces has led to inefficient resource use, excessive nitrogen losses, and growing environmental burdens, particularly in China. Here, we develop a nationally scalable, multi‐objective joint spatial optimization framework that integrates enhanced nitrogen management strategies in both crop and livestock production. Applying this framework across 355 Chinese cities, we identify spatial configurations that can simultaneously boost grain yields (by 2.27%–5.64%), maintain farmer incomes, and substantially reduce pollutant emissions, including ammonia (by 0.7%–46.8%), nitrate leaching (1.1%–35.3%), and greenhouse gases (0.58%–8.03%). These improvements are strongest when spatial optimization is paired with integrated crop‐livestock management. Our analysis further reveals optimal relocation strategies for key crops and monogastric livestock, offering actionable pathways to rebalance food production and reduce regional pollution disparities. This work demonstrates the untapped potential of spatial planning to unlock synergies among food security, environmental sustainability, and rural development, providing a scalable blueprint for food system transformation in China and beyond.