Decoupling Relationship and Optimization Path of Cropland Use Intensity and Carbon Emission in Henan Province

This research focuses on Henan, a key agricultural region, analyzing data from 2000 to 2022 on cropland use and agricultural input–output. It employs the Tapio decoupling model to examine the evolution and decoupling of cropland use intensity (CLUI) and cropland use carbon emissions (CUCE) in the province. The study reveals that from 2000 to 2022, CLUI in Henan Province fluctuated in a “high-low-high” pattern over time, creating a spatial distribution with high-intensity areas in the east and lower-intensity areas at the provincial boundaries. CUCE showed a “U” shaped trend, peaking around 2015 and then gradually declining. Spatially, emissions were consistently higher in the south and lower in the north. The relationship between CLUI and CUCE transitioned from a strong negative decoupling from 2000 to 2010, to a strong decoupling from 2015 to 2020, and to a recessive decoupling from 2020 to 2022. Spatially, it evolves from a state of negative decoupling across the entire region in the early stage to nearly full coverage of strong decoupling regions in the later stage. Based on these insights, the study suggests planning strategies focusing on regional management and policy alignment, providing scientific guidance for sustainable cropland use and optimized territorial planning in Henan Province.