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Cited by 6Efficiency Analysis Using DEARegional Development and EnvironmentSustainable Agricultural Systems Analysis

Characteristics and prediction of agricultural ecological efficiency for coordination between economy and environment

Open access
Ma, Lijun, Guo, Fengyu, Chen, Zhaoya, Meng, Jingyi, Xu, Lei, Yin, Shi·2024·PLoS ONE
DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0302971PMC PMC11139313
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Abstract

Agricultural ecological efficiency is an important tool with which to measure the coordination of the sustainable development of agricultural economies and ecological environments. In this paper, a super-efficiency slacks-based measures model was used to measure the agricultural ecological efficiency in Hebei Province. The characteristics of spatial and temporal evolution patterns were explored using a spatial Markov transfer matrix. The results showed that (i) based on measurements, the agricultural ecological efficiency in Hebei Province showed regional differences in four regions (eastern, northern, central and southern Hebei) and 141 counties; (ii) from the perspective of evolutionary characteristics of agricultural ecological efficiency, the overall development of in Hebei Province was good, with more concentrated spatial distribution and more obvious direction, while the type of transfer of agricultural ecological efficiency in Hebei Province showed strong stability that was significantly affected by geographical neighborhood conditions and the club convergence phenomenon; (iii) from the perspective of the long-term evolutionary trend of agricultural ecological efficiency, the areas adjacent to counties with low efficiency had limited potential for improvement, and the areas adjacent to counties with high grade had great potential. However, it was difficult to achieve large-scale improvement in agricultural ecological efficiency in Hebei Province, whether the impact of geospatial backgrounds was considered or not.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

Using a super-efficiency SBM model and spatial Markov chains, this study measures agricultural ecological efficiency across 141 counties in Hebei Province and predicts its long-term evolution. It finds regional differences and club convergence, with overall improvement but limited potential for large-scale upgrading to high-efficiency status.

Key findings

  • Agricultural ecological efficiency in Hebei rose overall but differed by region: initial averages were eastern 0.7779, northern 0.9078, central 0.7573, and southern 0.84454; end values were eastern 0.9060, northern 1.0739, central 0.8551, and southern 0.8738. Growth rates were eastern 16.46%, northern 18.3%, central 12.91%, and southern 3.47%.
  • Kernel density estimates showed a bimodal distribution and rightward shift, with peak values of 0.59 and 1.06 in 2005 and 0.75 and 1.01 in 2018; spatial imbalance decreased but polarization persisted.
  • The traditional Markov matrix showed strong stability and club convergence: the minimum diagonal value was 52.97%, greater than the maximum off-diagonal value of 29.69%; P11 = 0.6565 and P44 = 0.8214; cross-level transfer probabilities ranged from 0.77% to 13.7%.
  • Spatial Markov results showed neighborhood effects on transitions (e.g., P12 = 0.1935 vs. P12/3 = 0.2234; P34 = 0.1071 vs. P34/1 = 0.0796; P23/2 = 0.2743 < P23/3 = 0.3613; P43/2 = 0.1455 > P43/4 = 0.1241). Without spatial lag, steady-state probabilities were type 1 = 0.2109, type 2 = 0.2425, type 3 = 0.3162, and type 4 = 0.2304; with low neighborhood background, low and medium-low counties summed to 65.11% versus 34.89% for middle-high and high, and medium-high background had type 3 at 40.72%.

Methods

  • Panel data covered 141 counties in Hebei Province, with 9 indicators and social, economic, and agricultural production data from 2006–2019 across 11 prefectures. Inputs were crop-sown area, agricultural employees, total power of agricultural machinery, rural electricity consumption, and effective irrigation area; expected outputs were agricultural output value, total grain output, and farmland ecosystem service value; undesired output was agricultural carbon emissions.
  • Agricultural ecological efficiency was measured with a super-efficiency SBM model using DEA Solver Pro5.0. Spatiotemporal patterns were analyzed with kernel density estimation in Eviews 10 and standard deviation ellipses in ArcGIS 10.3. Traditional and spatial Markov chains, plus steady-state distributions in Matlab, were used for transition analysis and long-term prediction.

Limitations

  • The paper states that due to data accessibility and existing statistical data, only quantifiable input and output indicators were selected, while indicators difficult to quantify or temporarily lacking were not involved. It also states that future work should use econometric models, including contour coefficients, to empirically test the validity of the kernel density estimation results, and that agricultural ecological efficiency is determined by many related factors.
  • Evident from the text: the study is descriptive and predictive rather than causal, and no robustness or sensitivity checks are reported for the super-efficiency SBM, kernel density, or Markov predictions.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1371/journal.pone.0302971

Cites

12 of 12 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

1 of 9 cited sources checked · 1 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingown data

    Agricultural ecological efficiency in Hebei Province showed regional differences across four regions (eastern, northern, central and southern Hebei) and 141 counties.

    “the agricultural ecological efficiency in Hebei Province showed regional differences in four regions (eastern, northern, central and southern Hebei) and 141 counties”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    The spatial distribution of agricultural ecological efficiency in Hebei Province became more concentrated.

    “with more concentrated spatial distribution”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    The direction of agricultural ecological efficiency in Hebei Province became more obvious.

    “and more obvious direction”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    The number of relatively high- and high-rated counties was slightly higher than the number of lower-rated counties.

    “This was slightly higher than the number of lower-rated counties”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingreasoning

    During 2007-2014, agricultural ecological efficiency in Hebei Province showed small fluctuations in the cause of the decline.

    “During 2007–2014, in Hebei Province, agricultural ecological efficiency showed small fluctuations in the cause of the decline.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims. 41
  • The quote only partly states this claim. 2
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 4

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The super-efficient SBM model, proposed by Tone Kaoru and improved by Sahoo, solved the deficiencies of the traditional DEA model.

    “The super-efficient SBM model, proposed by Tone Kaoru and improved by Sahoo, solved the above deficiencies [38,39].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [38] K. Tone, 2002, A slacks-based measure of super-efficiency in data envelopment analysis, European Journal of Operational Research source
    • cites [39] J Li, 2018, Analysis of production Efficiency and Its Impact Factors in three northeastern provinces, Economic Jingwei

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims. The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingown data

    Agricultural ecological efficiency in Hebei Province first rose and then slightly declined, with an overall rising trend compared with the initial stage of research.

    “as far as the whole Hebei Province is concerned, the agricultural ecological efficiency first rose and then slightly declined, with an overall rising trend”
    • Also stated in: § 4.1. Results · plain
      “Trends showed increasing agricultural ecological efficiency in Hebei Province compared with the initial stage of research.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims. The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingown data

    From 2005 to 2018, the growth rates of agricultural ecological efficiency were 16.46% in eastern Hebei, 18.30% in northern Hebei, 12.91% in central Hebei, and 3.47% in southern Hebei.

    “comparing the end of the study to early data, Hebei agricultural ecological efficiency grew fast, reaching 18.30% in the Jidong region and 16.46% for the eastern Hebei. The agricultural ecological efficiency growth rate for the central Hebei region was 12.91%, while the slowest growth rate was observed in the southern Hebei region, with only 3.47%.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Agricultural ecological efficiency was consistently sporadic in northern Hebei and eastern Hebei, where the highest number of relatively high- and high-rated counties were observed.

    “Efficiency was consistently sporadic in northern Hebei and eastern Hebei, where we observed the highest number of relatively high- and high-rated counties.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    At the end of the study, the average agricultural ecological efficiency values in eastern, northern, central and southern Hebei were 0.9060, 1.0739, 0.8551 and 0.8738, respectively, ranked northern > eastern > central > southern.

    “At the end of the study, the average agricultural ecological efficiency values in eastern, northern, central and southern Hebei were 0.9060, 1.0739, 0.8551 and 0.8738, respectively, ranked as follows: northern Hebei> eastern Hebei> central Hebei> southern Hebei.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Agricultural ecological efficiency in Hebei Province showed hierarchical aggregation, with the number of low grade, medium-low grade and high grade counties decreasing, while the number of middle and high grade counties increased significantly.

    “The agricultural ecological efficiency in Hebei Province showed the development of hierarchical aggregation, with the number of low grade, medium-low grade and high grade counties decreasing, while the number of middle and high grade counties increased significantly.”
    • Also stated in: § 5. Conclusion · plain
      “Observing 141 counties in Hebei Province, agricultural ecological efficiency showed a hierarchical cluster development, with the number of low grade, medium–low grade and high grade counties decreasing, while the number of middle and high grade counties increased significantly.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The average agricultural ecological efficiency in northern Hebei has been in an effective state since 2006 and is significantly higher than that in eastern, central and southern Hebei.

    “the average agricultural ecological efficiency in northern Hebei has been in an effective state since 2006, and is significantly higher than that observed in eastern, central and southern Hebei.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    In the initial stage of the study, the average agricultural ecological efficiency values in eastern, northern, central and southern Hebei were 0.7779, 0.9078, 0.7573 and 0.84454, respectively, ranked northern > southern > eastern > central.

    “In the initial stage of the study, the average agricultural ecological efficiency in eastern, northern, central and southern Hebei was 0.7779, 0.9078, 0.7573 and 0.84454, respectively. The order was as follows: northern Hebei region> southern Hebei region> eastern Hebei region> central Hebei region.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Among the regions studied, northern Hebei had the most optimal agricultural ecological efficiency and growth rate.

    “Among the regions studied, northern Hebei had the most optimal agricultural ecological efficiency and growth rate.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    In the four regions (eastern Hebei, northern Hebei, central Hebei and southern Hebei), regional agricultural ecological efficiency differed, but the average agricultural ecological efficiency levels more or less increased.

    “In the four regions (eastern Hebei, northern Hebei, central Hebei and southern Hebei), regional agricultural ecological efficiency differed, but the average agricultural ecological efficiency levels more or less increased.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    Compared with the early research period, the spatial distribution of agricultural ecological efficiency was more concentrated to the south (east), north (west), west (south), and the counties in the east and north of Hebei Province were more obvious.

    “Compared with the early research period, the spatial distribution of agricultural ecological efficiency was more concentrated to the south (east), north (west), west (south), and the counties in the east and north of Hebei Province were more obvious.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    When the geographic neighborhood background was at a low level, the number of counties with low and relatively low ecological efficiency values was significantly higher than the traditional steady state distribution; the sum of the number of low and medium-low counties (65.11%) was nearly twice the sum of the number of middle and high counties (34.89%).

    “When the geographic neighborhood background was at a low level, the number of counties with low and relatively low ecological efficiency values was significantly higher than the traditional steady state distribution. The sum of the number of low and medium-low counties (65. 11%) was nearly twice the sum of the number of middle and high counties (34. 89%)”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The transfer probability across levels was low, with a maximum possibility of 13.7% and a minimum of 0.77%.

    “As can be seen from Table 5, the transfer probability across levels was low, with a maximum possibility of 13.7% and a minimum of 0.77%.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    For the upward transfer of agricultural ecological efficiency type, P12 without neighborhood conditions was 0.1935, while in a geographical neighborhood of type 3, P12/3 was 0.2234; P34 without neighborhood conditions was 0.1071, while in a geographical neighborhood of type 1, P34/1 was 0.0796.

    “the P under the geographical neighborhood conditions was not considered 12. At 0.1935, while in the geographical neighborhood of type 3, P12/3 was 0.2234”
    • Also stated in: § 4.2. Discussion of spatiotemporal evolution characteristics · plain
      “P without neighborhood conditions was 34 at 0.1071, while in a geographical neighborhood of type 1, P34/1. At 0.0796”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    When the spatial lag type was 1, the number of counties with low agroecological efficiency level (= 1) at time t was significantly more than that of other classes; when the spatial lag type was 4, the number of counties with high agroecological efficiency level (= 4) at time t was also significantly more than that of other classes.

    “when the spatial lag type was 1, the number of counties with low agroecological efficiency level (= 1) at time t was significantly more than that of other classes. Similarly, when the spatial lag type was 4, the number of counties with high agroecological efficiency level (= 4) at time t was also significantly more than that of other classes.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The minimum value on the diagonal in Table 5 was 52.97%, significantly greater than the maximum value on the off-diagonal, 29.69%.

    “According to Table 5, the minimum value on the diagonal was 52.97%, significantly greater than the maximum value on the off-diagonal, 29. 69%”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Types 1, 2 and 3 presented an increasing development trend in the steady-state distribution, and the highest probability of type 4 was lower than type 3.

    “Types 1, 2 and 3 presented an increasing development trend. The highest probability of type 4 was lower than type 3”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    In comparison with the initial state, the probability of type 1 decreased from 0.251 to 0.2109; the probability of type 2 rose from 0.2297 to 0.2425; the probability of type 3 increased from 0.3055 to 0.3162; the probability of type 4 increased from 0.2139 to 0.2304.

    “In comparison with the initial state, the probability of type 1 decreased from 0.251 to 0.2109; that is, the number of counties in type 1 decreased significantly. The probability of type 2 rose from 0.2297 to 0.2425. The probability of type 3 increased from 0.3055 to 0.3162. The probability of type 4 increased from 0.2139 to 0.2304”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    When the geographic neighborhood background was low-medium level, according to the number of counties distributed, Type 3 > Type 2 > Type 1 > Type 4; the largest number of counties were at type 3, with 40.72% of the total, obviously higher than other types of counties.

    “when the geographic neighborhood background was low–medium level, according to the number of counties distributed, Type 3> Type 2> Type 1> Type 4.”
    • Also stated in: § 4.3. Discussion of prediction evolution characteristics · plain
      “The largest number of counties were at that level (type 3), with 40.72% of the total, obviously higher than other types of counties”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The probability of maintaining the high grade in the previous year was 82.14% (P44 = 0.8214); the maximum probability of downward transfer from high grade was 14.29% (P43 = 0.1429); the probability of maintaining the low grade in the previous year was 65.65% (P11 = 0.6565); the maximum probability of upward transfer from low grade was 19.35% (P12 = 0.1935).

    “P44 = 0.8214 shows that the possibility of maintaining the high grade in the previous year was 82.14%, while the maximum possibility of downward transfer was P43 = 0.1429; P11 = 0.6565, indicating that the low grade in the previous year was 65.65%. The maximum possibility of upward transfer was P12 = 0.1935.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    The position of the standard deviation was relatively stable and shifted to the northeast direction; the standard deviation decreased, the length of the short axis decreased, and the shape index decreased toward the northeast.

    “The position of the standard deviation was relatively stable and shifted to the northeast direction. The standard deviation decreased, the length of the short axis decreased, and the shape index decreased toward the northeast.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The nuclear density curves of the five observed time points (2005, 2008, 2011, 2014, 2018) showed an obvious bimodal distribution, with differences in peak height, peak width and efficiency value of the central axis of the two peaks.

    “According to the time change trend, the nuclear density curves of the five observed time points showed an obvious bimodal distribution, but there were some differences in the peak height, peak width and efficiency value of the central axis of the two peaks.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    P23/2 = 0.2743 < P23/3 = 0.3613, meaning the probability of agricultural ecological efficiency moving upward from type 2 to type 3 when adjacent counties were type 2 was much lower than the probability of moving upward from type 2 to type 3 when adjacent counties were type 3; P43/2 = 0.1455 > P43/4 = 0.1241, meaning that the probability of agroecological efficiency moving down from type 4 to type

    “Por instance P23/2 = 0.2743 < P23/3 = 0.3613, meaning the probability of agricultural ecological efficiency moving upward from type 2 to type 3 when adjacent counties were type 2 was much lower than the probability of moving upward from type 2 to type 3 when adjacent counties were type 3”
    • Also stated in: § 4.2. Discussion of spatiotemporal evolution characteristics · plain
      “P43/2 = 0.1455 > P43/4 = 0.1241, meaning that the probability of agroecological efficiency moving down from type 4 to type 3 when neighboring counties were type 2 was much greater than the probability of shifting down from type 4 to type 3 when neighboring counties were type 4.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    The center of gravity of agricultural ecological efficiency was relatively stable, while the spatial distribution was more concentrated and the direction was more obvious.

    “The center of gravity of agricultural ecological efficiency was relatively stable, while the spatial distribution was more concentrated and the direction was more obvious.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Premisecitation

    The core of ecological efficiency must take into account the dual dimensions of economy and ecology in the evaluation process.

    “The core of ecological efficiency must take into account the dual dimensions of economy and ecology in the evaluation process [4].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [4] M. Ge, 2020

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Ecological efficiency has been recognized by foreign scholars and was proposed and defined by Claude Fussler.

    “Ecological efficiency has been recognized by foreign scholars [1]; it has been proposed and defined, as given by Claude Fussler [2].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [1] S Schaltegger, 1989, Ecology induced management decision support. Starting points for instrument formation, Basel, WWZ

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites [2] C. Fussler, 1995, The development of Industrial ecological efficiency, Industry and Environment

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    The probability value across levels was much lower than the probability value of the elements on both sides of the diagonal, indicating that changes in agricultural ecological efficiency values are a long-term development process and cannot be completed in a short time.

    “The probability value across levels was much lower than the probability value of the elements on both sides of the diagonal, indicating that changes in agricultural ecological efficiency values are a long-term development process and cannot be completed in a short time.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Macroscopically, the spatial imbalance of agricultural ecological efficiency in Hebei Province was reduced, but the polarization phenomenon always existed.

    “Macroscopically, the spatial imbalance of agricultural ecological efficiency in Hebei Province was reduced, but the polarization phenomenon always existed.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Over time, the agricultural ecological efficiency in some counties in Hebei Province improved, showing an overall trend of shifting toward high efficiency.

    “indicating that over time, the agricultural ecological efficiency in some counties in Hebei Province improved, showing an overall trend of shifting toward high efficiency.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Agricultural ecological efficiency improved significantly, and the overall development was good.

    “This showed that agricultural ecological efficiency improved significantly, and the overall development was good.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    With the development of agricultural modernization, agricultural ecological efficiency in Hebei Province could gradually reach an effective state, but because of a high drive, low suppression phenomenon and different natural background conditions, it could be difficult to achieve large-scale transfer to high-grade counties.

    “demonstrating that, that with the development of agricultural modernization, agricultural ecological efficiency in Hebei Province could gradually reach an effective state, but because of a high drive, low suppression phenomenon and different natural background conditions, it could difficult to achieve large-scale transfer to high-grade counties.”
    • Also stated in: § 5. Conclusion · plain
      “However, it was difficult to achieve large-scale transfer to high-scale counties, whether the influence of geographical space was considered or not.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Natural conditions, agricultural development mechanisms and economic development levels cause agricultural ecological efficiency to remain low in some counties.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Over time, agricultural ecological efficiency showed a convergent development trend in which relatively effective county units gradually increased, and counties gradually shifted to high grade.

    “This showed that, over time, agricultural ecological efficiency showed a convergent development trend in which relatively effective county units gradually increased, and counties gradually shifted to high grade.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    In the long run, agricultural ecological efficiency in Hebei Province gradually shifted upward with time, with more than half of the counties reaching a higher grade than in previous years, and a relatively high grade overall.

    “This showed that, in the long run, agricultural ecological efficiency in Hebei Province gradually shifted upward with time, with more than half of the counties reaching a higher grade than in previous years, and a relatively high grade overall.”
    • Also stated in: § 5. Conclusion · plain
      “In the long run, without spatial lag, the agricultural ecological efficiency in Hebei Province gradually changed with time evolution, and more than half of the counties reached high and relatively high grades.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    The elements P11 and P44 at both ends of the main diagonal had the largest values in the whole table, indicating that the agricultural ecological efficiency in Hebei Province remained at the lowest and highest levels; that is, the club convergence phenomenon of high-high agglomeration, low-low agglomeration, high promotion, low inhibition and low suppression in agricultural ecological efficiency.

    “In addition, the elements P11 and P44 at both ends of the main diagonal had the largest values in the whole table, indicating that the agricultural ecological efficiency in Hebei Province remained at the lowest and highest levels; that is, the club convergence phenomenon of high–high agglomeration, low–low agglomeration, high promotion, low inhibition and low suppression in agricultural ecological”
    • Also stated in: § 5. Conclusion · plain
      “At the microscopic level, the phenomenon of club convergence was high–high agglomeration, low–low agglomeration, high promotion, low inhibition and low suppression.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    In the construction of the evaluation indicator system, although indicators were selected as comprehensively as possible (referring to previous studies), due to the limitations of data accessibility and existing statistical data, the selected input and output indicators were quantifiable indicators, and the indicators that were difficult to quantify or temporarily lacking were not involved.

    “In the construction of the evaluation indicator system, although indicators were selected as comprehensively as possible (referring to previous studies), due to the limitations of data accessibility and existing statistical data, the selected input and output indicators were quantifiable indicators, and the indicators that were difficult to quantify or temporarily lacking were not involved.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    From the results of steady state distribution, the agricultural ecological efficiency in Hebei Province shifted toward high grade, but it could be difficult to realize the long existence of high drive and low-low inhibition and high suppression and the limitation of different natural background conditions in different counties.

    “From the results of steady state distribution, the agricultural ecological efficiency in Hebei Province shifted toward high grade, but it could be difficult to realize the long existence of high drive and low–low inhibition and high suppression and the limitation of different natural background conditions in different counties.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Natural conditions, agricultural development mechanisms and economic development levels cause agricultural ecological efficiency to remain low in some counties.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    A county with high agricultural ecological efficiency had a significant positive spillover effect, promoting the upward transfer of agricultural ecological efficiency type, inhibiting the downward transfer of agricultural ecological efficiency, and could eventually form a high aggregation situation; a county with low agricultural ecological efficiency had an obvious negative spillover effect, and

    “a county with high agricultural ecological efficiency had a significant positive spillover effect, promoting the upward transfer of agricultural ecological efficiency type, inhibiting the downward transfer of agricultural ecological efficiency, and could eventually form a high aggregation situation.”
    • Also stated in: § 4.2. Discussion of spatiotemporal evolution characteristics · hedged
      “for a county with low agricultural ecological efficiency, the negative spillover effect was obvious, and could eventually form a low gathering situation.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    In terms of evolutionary trends, the long-term evolutionary trend of agricultural ecological efficiency in Hebei Province was relatively optimistic, with great improvement potential.

    “In terms of evolutionary trends, the long-term evolutionary trend of agricultural ecological efficiency in Hebei Province was relatively optimistic, with great improvement potential.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    The observation points showed bimodal distribution, which indicated that the agricultural ecological efficiency in Hebei Province was highly polarized, and that high efficiency and low efficiency counties were obvious.

    “in terms of shape, the observation points showed bimodal distribution, which indicated that the agricultural ecological efficiency in Hebei Province was highly polarized, and that high efficiency and low efficiency counties were obvious.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    According to the above studies, the mutual transfer of agricultural ecological efficiency types in Hebei Province was stable enough to maintain the original state, but this was not absolute stability, rather the continuous mutual transfer of neighboring grades over time.

    “According to the above studies, the mutual transfer of agricultural ecological efficiency types in Hebei Province was stable enough to maintain the original state. However, this was not absolute stability, but rather the continuous mutual transfer of neighboring grades over time.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Economic strength, strong support for green agriculture development, the implementation of two-type-oriented agriculture, increasing awareness of environmental protection, and the increasing demand for a better life combined to improve agricultural ecological efficiency and narrow gaps between counties.

    “Primary reasons for this could include economic strength, strong support for green agriculture development, the implementation of two-type-oriented agriculture, increasing awareness of environmental protection, and the increasing demand for a better life. These and perhaps other factors combined to improve agricultural ecological efficiency and narrow gaps between counties.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    In the context of a low geographic neighborhood, the ecological efficiency of agriculture in Hebei Province was limited, and space for improvement was also limited.

    “This showed that, in the context of this geographic neighborhood, the ecological efficiency of agriculture in Hebei Province was limited. Space for improvement was also limited”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
42 of 42

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    There have been relatively few studies on agricultural ecological efficiency in Hebei Province.

    “However, there have been relatively few studies on agricultural ecological efficiency in Hebei Province.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Existing literature has focused more on undesired outputs, such as agricultural carbon emissions, while ignoring the expected ecological value output in the agricultural production process.

    “Compared with previous studies, the existing literature has focused more on undesired outputs, such as agricultural carbon emissions, while ignoring the expected ecological value output in the agricultural production process.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    There have been few current studies on spatial and temporal evolution characteristics of agricultural ecological efficiency.

    “Additionally, there have been few current studies on spatial and temporal evolution characteristics of agricultural ecological efficiency”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    There is a lack of study of the combination of spatial and temporal evolution characteristics of macroscopic agricultural ecological efficiency and microscopic spatial and temporal evolution law.

    “There is a lack of study of the combination of spatial and temporal evolution characteristics of macroscopic agricultural ecological efficiency and microscopic spatial and temporal evolution law.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    It is rare to discuss future evolution trends in agricultural ecological efficiency.

    “Lastly, it is rare to discuss future evolution trends in agricultural ecological efficiency.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The spatial distribution of geographical objects or the properties of that spatial distribution may have mutual relationships (first law of geography).

    “The first law of geography put forward the idea that the spatial distribution of geographical objects or the properties of that spatial distribution may have mutual relationships.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Research units (administrative areas) are connected to each other and have relatively obvious spatial relationships.

    “These research units are connected to each other and have relatively obvious spatial relationships.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The traditional DEA model has deficiencies: it is not suitable for the unexpected output index, it ignores input-output relaxation, and it cannot rank effective units.

    “However, the traditional DEA model has some deficiencies; it is not suitable for the unexpected output index, it ignores the input-output relaxation, and it cannot rank effective units.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Data envelope analysis is widely used because it has no weight setting and because it reduces the impact of subjective factors on measurement results.

    “Data envelope analysis, referred to as DEA, is widely used because it has no weight setting, and because it reduces the impact of subjective factors on measurement results.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Natural conditions, agricultural development mechanisms and economic development levels cause agricultural ecological efficiency to remain low in some counties.

    “However, due to natural conditions, agricultural development mechanisms and economic development levels, the agricultural ecological efficiency remained low.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The level of agricultural ecological efficiency is determined not only by its own input and output, but also by many related factors.

    “The level of agricultural ecological efficiency is determined, not only by its own input and output, but also by many related factors.”
11 of 11

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Study years conflict with the years used in the results

    Major

    The data-source section says the panel data cover 2006-2019, but Table 4 reports 2005 as the starting year and 2018 as the ending year.

  • Final regional ranking reverses central and southern Hebei

    Minor

    The stated final values put southern Hebei (0.8738) above central Hebei (0.8551), but the ranking puts central Hebei above southern Hebei.

2 of 2

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 32

  1. S Schaltegger, 1989, Ecology induced management decision support. Starting points for instrument formation, Basel, WWZ
  2. C. Fussler, 1995, The development of Industrial ecological efficiency, Industry and Environment, 17, 71
  3. Y Hu, 2018, Progress in regional ecological efficiency research, Ecological Journal, 38, 8277
  4. M. Ge, 2020, Evaluation of agricultural ecological efficiency and analysis of influencing factors in Shandong Province
  5. W. Nie, 2017, Analysis of Research Progress in Agricultural Ecological Efficiency, Chinese Journal of Ecological Agriculture, 25, 1371
  6. W Zhao, 2016, Ecological Efficiency Analysis based on life cycle method, Journal of Ecology, 36, 7208
  7. J Li, 2019, Study on Total factor Ecological Efficiency of Dongting Lake Ecological Economic Zone Based on Ecological Footprint, Economic Geography, 39, 199
  8. Z Li, 2016, Spatial Pattern and Impact Mechanism of Ecological Efficiency in China, Journal of Environmental Science, 36, 4208
  9. Q. Wei, 1998, An effective way to evaluate the relative efficiency, 6
  10. L Guo, 2016, Industrial ecological efficiency based on ultra-efficiency DEA takes the data from 2003–2013 in the six central provinces as an example, Economic Geography, 36, 116
  11. Z Wu, 2018, Study on Ecological Efficiency of Agricultural Land Based on Three-stage DEA Model, Ecological economy, 34, 76
  12. M Zhang, 2016, Analysis of carbon emission efficiency and low-carbon optimization for intensive land-use based on SBM model, Land Science, 30, 37
  13. Y Feng, 2018, Spatiotemporal evolution and driving factors of agricultural ecological efficiency in China, Water and soil conservation bulletin, 38, 254
  14. B Wang, 2018, Interprovincial differences and influencing factors of agricultural ecological efficiency in China based on panel data analysis from 31 provinces from 1996–2015, Rural economy in China, 1, 46
  15. J Cao, 2019, research on agricultural ecological efficiency and influencing factors of the Yangtze River Economic Belt from the perspective of low-carbon carbon, Ecological economy, 35, 115
  16. C Cheng, 2014, Spatiotemporal differences in agricultural ecological efficiency in China, Journal of Ecology, 34, 142
  17. Z Zhang, 2014, Temporal and spatial evolution of agricultural ecological efficiency in the Loess Plateau of Eastern Gansu, Geographical Sciences, 34, 472
  18. D Zheng, 2018, Spatiotemporal evolution analysis of Chinese mainland ecological efficiency and its trend prediction, Geographic Research, 37, 1034
  19. M Ai, 2019, Study on temporal and spatial evolution of urban ecological efficiency in resource dependent areas, System Engineering, 37, 28
  20. Y Ren, 2017, County-scale ecological efficiency evaluation and spatial pattern analysis in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Urban agglomeration, Advances in Geographic Science, 36, 87
  21. H Liu, 2020, the mountainous area of Luliang as an example, Soil and Water Conservation Research, 27, 323
  22. J. Lin, 2018, Comprehensive evaluation and influencing factor analysis of agricultural ecological Efficiency in Fujian Province
  23. J. Song, 2016, Spatial correlation and influencing factors of ecological efficiency in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region
  24. D Pan, 2013, Evaluation method and empirical Chinese SBM model analysis based on undesired output, Ecological Journal, 33, 3837
  25. L Zhao, 2014, Study on Spatial Economic Classification of China Based on Characteristic Ellipse, Geographical Sciences, 34, 979
  26. G Xie, 2015, Improvement of ecosystem service value change approach based on value equivalent factor per unit area, Journal of Natural Resources, 30, 12431254
  27. Sun, 2019, Spatiotemporal changes of land use pattern and its ecosystem service value in Wushan County, Chongqing, Ecological Science, 38, 176
  28. B Li, 2011, Space and temporal characteristics and influencing factor decomposition of agricultural carbon emission in China, Chinese Population, Resources and Environment, 21, 80
  29. K. Tone, 2002, A slacks-based measure of super-efficiency in data envelopment analysis, European Journal of Operational Research, 143, 32, 10.1016/S0377-2217(01)00324-1 · DOI · Paper page
  30. J Li, 2018, Analysis of production Efficiency and Its Impact Factors in three northeastern provinces, Economic Jingwei, 35, 14
  31. L Guo, 2016, Industrial ecological efficiency based on ultra-efficiency DEA takes the data from 2003–2013 in the six central provinces as an example, Economic Geography, 36, 116
  32. Y Pu, 2005, Convergent space-time evolution of Jiangsu region based on spatial Markov chain, Journal of Geography, 5, 817

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Related

Authors
Ma, L., Guo, F., Chen, Z., Meng, J., Xu, L., & Yin, S.
Affiliations
  • Hebei Agricultural University (CN)
  • Baoding University (CN)
Corresponding author
  • Xu, Lei
  • Yin, Shi
ORCID
Venue
PLoS ONE
Publisher
Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Published
2024-05-30
Volume
19
Issue
5
Pages
e0302971
ISSN
1932-6203 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1371/journal.pone.0302971
PMC
PMC11139313
OpenAlex
W4399154652
Semantic Scholar
a01d3762153eace17973ce784e4a949509300cad
Cited by
6
References
10
Citations by year
2026: 2 · 2025: 2 · 2024: 2
FWCI
1.82
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • PLoS ONE (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • RePEc: Research Papers in Economics (submittedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Funders
Hebei Provincial Social Science Foundation Project (HB22YJ012)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Decision Sciences › Management Science and Operations Research › Efficiency Analysis Using DEA
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Regional Development and Environment
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Environmental Chemistry › Sustainable Agricultural Systems Analysis
Keywords
club convergence, Super-SBM model, regional variation, Hebei Province, sustainable agricultural development, spatial spillover effects
MeSH terms
Sustainable Development, Agriculture, China, Conservation of Natural Resources, Ecology, Environment, Models, Theoretical, Ecosystem

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-11.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-11.

Cited sources are checked by gpt-6-sol.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

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