Analysis of land use changes based on Markov's shift matrix model in Loess Hilly-gully region

According to statistical and survey data, land use survey data and TM imagines from 2000 to 2008, dynamic changes of quantitative and regional difference of land use in ShangHuang experiment area during the last 8 years are analyzed. Based upon the model of Markov's shift matrix, the land use changes are discussed. The results indicated that the general trend of cultivated land during the past 8 years was decreasing and regional differences of cultivated land was very notable. The dynamic change of cultivated land shows sloping farmland change to forest land and grassland, some good quality of cultivated land change to high economic beneficial garden plot.