Spatial–Temporal Evolution and Spatial Differentiation of Ecosystem Service Value in Ningxia at the Grid Scale

To provide scientific reference for ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River basin, the spatial and temporal evolution pattern and spatial differentiation characteristics of ESV in the upper Yellow River Reaches were investigated. On a 3 km × 3 km grid scale, the ecosystem service value (ESV) of different land use types in Ningxia was calculated using 4 periods remote sensing data from 2000 to 2018. The spatial–temporal evolution characteristics, spatial correlation, and heterogeneity of ESV were discussed in conjunction with spatial exploratory analysis. (1) The land use in Ningxia increased significantly during the study period, with increases of 143.37%, 16.14%, and 3.71% for construction land, forest land, and water area, respectively. The unused land and cultivated land decreased by 8.89% and 5.56%, respectively, whereas the grassland decreased only slightly. (2) From 2000 to 2018, the ESV of Ningxia increased from 39.436 billion yuan to 39.776 billion yuan. Grassland had the greatest ESV, followed by arable land, forest land, and water area. The percentage of unused land was less than 1%, and the change in each ESV across time periods was obscure. (3) The results of the spatial analysis indicate that at the grid scale, the ESV in Ningxia displays a clear “high in the south and low in the north” distribution pattern, with significant positive spatial correlation and dependence, and a significant agglomeration areas effect of low-low and high-high types. The changing of ESV value can provide a scientific basis and decision support for rational layout and precise regulation of land use pattern and ecological barrier function in Ningxia.