Objective Investigating the dynamic response between cultivated land multifunctionality and agricultural production capacity is crucial for coordinating the balance among agricultural production, livelihood security, and ecological conservation functions of cultivated land. This study aims to provide scientific support for achieving the optimal allocation of cultivated land multifunctionality and promoting sustainable agricultural development. Methods Taking 87 counties and districts in Gansu Province as the research objects, the functional levels of cultivated land were quantified from production, living, and ecological dimensions. A sensitivity measurement model was employed to analyze the sensitivity of the multifunctionality of cultivated land in Gansu Province to changes in agricultural production capacity from 2002 to 2022. Results (1) From 2002 to 2022, the levels of various sub-functions of cultivated land use in Gansu Province improved, with the ecological function indicator showing the most significant growth. Notable differences in cultivated land multifunctionality levels were observed among counties and districts. (2) From 2002 to 2022, there were significant differences in agricultural production capacity among the multifunctional zones of cultivated land in Gansu Province, and the feedback relationships between cultivated land multifunctionality and changes in agricultural production capacity varied across different functional zones. (3) The sensitivity of cultivated land multifunctionality in Gansu Province from 2002 to 2022 showed a fluctuating downward trend, with sensitivity levels shifting from low sensitivity to insensitivity. Specifically, the sensitivity of production and living functions decreased, while the sensitivity of ecological functions increased, indicating a gradual weakening of the feedback between cultivated land multifunctionality and changes in agricultural production capacity. (4) From 2002 to 2022, the number of counties and districts within each sensitivity zone of cultivated land multifunctionality to changes in agricultural production capacity in Gansu Province fluctuated significantly, with the overall trend shifting from low-sensitivity dominance to coexistence of multiple sensitivity levels. Most counties and districts demonstrated consistent dynamics between changes in cultivated land multifunctionality and agricultural production capacity. Conclusion From 2002 to 2022, the sensitivity of cultivated land multifunctionality to changes in agricultural production capacity in Gansu Province decreased, and significant differences were observed in the responses of each sub-function to changes in agricultural production capacity at different spatiotemporal scales. It is necessary to further optimize the coordination of cultivated land multifunctionality and establish targeted cultivated land use patterns for different functional zones based on the agricultural production-oriented differentiated allocation, aiming to establish a sustainable development pattern that coordinates cultivated land use intensity, agricultural production benefits, and ecological carrying capacity.
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