Spatial–Temporal Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Eco-Efficiency of Cultivated Land Use in the Yangtze River Delta Region

The sustainable utilization of regional cultivated land systems in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region over the past 40 years has been severely impacted by rapid urbanization processes. Improving the eco-efficiency of cultivated land use (ECLU) plays a significant role in achieving the sustainable utilization of farmland and high-quality development of agriculture and rural areas. In this study, the spatial–temporal features and influencing factors of the ECLU in the YRD are investigated by various methods, such as a super-efficient SBM model, hot spot analysis, Dagum Gini coefficient, and panel tobit model. The findings indicate the following: the ECLU showed an overall high level from 2000 to 2020; the ECLU varied significantly over time and space in the YRD. The ECLU presented obvious spatial agglomeration in the YRD: southern regions exhibited a concentration of cold spots, while hot spots were primarily found in the east and north of the YRD. The trend of regional differences in ECLU during the research period fluctuated upwards in the YRD, and the density difference super-variable was the main source of regional differences. Increases in urbanization level and GDP per capita contributed to ECLU enhancement in the YRD, and agricultural intensity levels and agricultural industrial structures played a negative role in ECLU improvement. Finally, we suggest that different regions should adapt to local conditions, scientifically and reasonably allocate cultivated land production resources, and promote the coordinated improvement of ECLU. This study could provide a reference for policymakers to formulate better decisions on cultivated land utilization and management.