Landscape Patterns Changes in Two Subtropical Chinese Villages as Related to Farming Policies

Air photos and field survey of two subtropical chinese villages at four periods shows large changes in land use since 1955. These changes can be related to shifts in agricultural policies at the national level. Changes can be assessed by importance in cover as well as landscape indices. Overall, the landscape heterogeneity increases. A survey of 40 families indicates that current land use diversity is due to farm/family types diversity. Some are more oriented toward high value products (animals) and off farm employment.