The explicit-implicit interactive transition measurement and zoning research framework of cultivated land and construction land: A case study of Shandong section of the Yellow River Basin

Graphical Abstract Urbanization reshaped quantity, structure, and functions of cultivated land (CUL), while transforming demand and efficiency of construction land (COL). These changes drive both cultivated land utilization transition (CULT) and construction land utilization transition (COLT). The study innovatively develops the explicit-implicit interactive transition measurement and zoning research framework of CUL and COL. The CUL's implicit morphology specifically focuses on agricultural production function, while COL's is conceptualized as a complex integrating spatial agglomeration, intensive construction, and economic concentration. The study integrates carbon storage for CUL functionality and carbon emission intensity for COL intensity, achieving a comprehensive evaluation system. This county-level study targets Shandong section of the Yellow River Basin—a key CUL protection and high-quality development zone—addressing strategic priorities through finer-scale analysis. It investigates explicit-implicit interactive transition characteristics of CULT and COLT from 2000 to 2020 and innovatively implements interactive transition zoning. Results showed faster CUL loss in Jinan's urban core and northeastern Yellow River Delta, with more pronounced COL expansion in central and northeastern compared to western regions. CUL functionality rose significantly during 2015–2020, and COL intensity improved markedly during 2010–2015. The explicit-implicit interactive transition trended toward optimization for CULT, while COLT attained both transitional and optimized states. Strong CUL-COL explicit transition correlations occurred in southwestern plains. CUL functionality and COL intensity showed moderate coupling coordination. Based on these findings, interactive transition zoning informed regulatory strategies, supporting food security and land resource optimization. • Construct interactive transition framework of cultivated land and construction land. • Apply the research framework to the Shandong section of the Yellow River Basin. • Reveal explicit-implicit interactive transition characteristic of single land type. • Reveal interactive transition characteristic between two land-use types. • Conduct interactive transition zoning of cultivated land and construction land.