Objective Factors such as loose soil structure, significant terrain undulation, and low vegetation coverage contribute to poor ecological stability in the Loess Plateau region, making the middle reaches of the Yellow River a typical area of prominent ecological vulnerability in China. Accurately estimating the dynamic changes in ecosystem service value (ESV) and its influencing factors is of great significance for promoting sustainable development in this region. Methods This study constructed an ESV valuation model that included construction land, based on a modified equivalent factor method. Using the land use transfer matrix and XGBoost-SHAP model, we examined the dynamic evolution of land use and ESV, as well as the factors influencing ESV in the study area. Results (1) Land use types and transitions in the middle reaches of the Yellow River Basin were primarily characterized by cultivated Land, grassland, and forest. The dynamic changes in single land use types, particularly cultivated land and construction land, were significant, with rates of -2.95% and 1.90%, respectively. The comprehensive land use dynamic degree averaged 0.15%,peaking at 0.32% from 2005 to 2010. (2) The total ESV in the middle reaches of the Yellow River Basin gradually decreased, with an overall reduction rate of 21.95%. Areas with low and medium ESV shrank, while those with higher ESV expanded, presenting a spatial distribution pattern that decreased from northwest to southeast. (3) Nighttime light intensity was the most significant factor affecting ESV changes, accounting for 23.03%. Average slope, forest proportion, and annual average temperature had positive effects on ESV, whereas nighttime light intensity, cultivated land proportion, population density, and average altitude had negative effects. The influence of other factors was relatively minor. Conclusion Due to rapid economic development and the gradual advancement of urbanization, the ESV in the middle reaches of the Yellow River Basin showed a decreasing trend. It is essential to deepen the understanding of the impacts of natural and human activities on the ecological environment. The findings of this study can provide scientific support for optimizing the spatial pattern of ecosystem services and formulating ecological protection strategies in the middle reaches of the Yellow River Basin.
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