Spatial–Temporal Variation and Influencing Mechanism of Production–Living–Ecological Functions in the Yangtze River Economic Belt

Optimizing the regional spatial pattern of land use and high-quality economic development requires an accurate understanding of the multifunctional evolution of land use. Based on remote sensing data and socio-economic data from 2000 to 2023, this study utilizes a land transfer matrix, an evaluation index system, an obstacle degree model, and regression analysis to deeply explore the spatial distribution characteristics and influencing factors of the production–living–ecological functions (PLEF) in the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) over the 23-year period. The results show the following: ① the living function area of the YREB has increased by 22,400 km2, while the production function area has decreased by 20,600 km2, and the ecological function area has decreased by 1800 km2. ② The production and living function spaces are characterized by high values in the eastern region and low values in the western region, and the ecological function space is characterized by high values in the western region and low values in the eastern region. ③ In the YREB, production function was the main obstacle to the PLEF between 2000 and 2023. ④ Population growth, economic development, agricultural technology, and agricultural efficiency are the main factors that influence the spatial and temporal evolution of the PLEF. This study suggests exploring an interactive compensation mechanism of the PLEF that combines the government and the market to form a differentiated development strategy.