Core Points - The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs is committed to promoting farmland protection and quality improvement during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, aiming to strengthen the foundation of food security [1] Group 1: Farmland Protection - The government is strictly adhering to the 1.8 billion mu farmland red line, with a national farmland area reaching 1.94 billion mu by the end of last year, an increase of 28 million mu since 2020 [1] - A new round of land spatial planning has been implemented, with strict assessments and accountability for farmland quantity [1] Group 2: High-Standard Farmland Construction - Over 1 billion mu of high-standard farmland has been constructed, with central government investment exceeding 700 billion yuan during the 14th Five-Year Plan period [2] - The average central financial input per mu has increased to over 2,000 yuan since 2020, focusing on leveling fields, ensuring water and road access, and enhancing soil quality and productivity [2] - The construction of high-standard farmland has significantly improved agricultural production capacity and efficiency, with many previously drought-prone areas now able to manage water effectively [2] Group 3: Degraded Farmland Management - Efforts are being made to address the degradation of black soil, with over 400 million mu of black soil protected and 33,000 erosion gullies treated [3] - The pH level of treated acidic farmland has improved by 0.5, leading to a 10% increase in productivity [3] - A comprehensive soil survey was initiated in 2022, covering approximately 1.1 billion mu of farmland, to provide foundational data for optimizing agricultural production [3]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of arable land quality protection and the need for comprehensive governance of degraded farmland in China, particularly focusing on the Northeast black soil region and southern acidified farmland [1][2][8]. Summary by Sections Arable Land Quality and Degradation - Arable land is crucial for food production, and its degradation is a significant issue in China, driven by both human activities and natural factors [2][4]. - Degradation manifests in physical, chemical, and biological forms, leading to reduced productivity, stability, and ecological functions [3][4]. Causes of Degradation - Major causes include improper land use, rapid urbanization, and ecological pollution, which reflect the challenges of traditional agricultural practices in modern development [4]. - The phenomenon of straw removal from fields disrupts nutrient cycling, leading to a decline in soil organic matter and fertility [4]. Governance and Protection Measures - The government has implemented policies to enhance arable land protection and quality improvement, including high-standard farmland construction and comprehensive management of saline-alkali land [5][6]. - By the end of 2024, over 1 billion mu (approximately 666.67 million acres) of high-standard farmland is expected to be built, improving average productivity by about 10% [5]. Black Soil Protection - The Northeast black soil region, vital for national grain production, faces severe degradation, particularly from erosion gullies [8][9]. - The government has prioritized the governance of erosion gullies, with significant efforts leading to the restoration of approximately 7.92 million mu (about 5.28 million acres) of farmland [9]. Acidified Farmland Management - Approximately 919 million mu (about 613 million acres) of farmland in China is acidified, with strong acidification affecting 261 million mu (about 174 million acres) [13][14]. - Various effective management models have been developed to address soil acidification, including precise long-term governance and collaborative approaches combining chemical and organic amendments [15][16]. Future Directions - Continued research and innovation are needed to address the causes of soil acidification and to develop effective governance strategies tailored to different regions [18]. - The establishment of a dynamic monitoring system and the promotion of technology adoption among farmers are essential for sustainable agricultural practices [18].