Abstract
Ecological landscape patterns in agricultural areas are critical indicators of changes in ecological health and spatial structure in farmland utilization projects. In this study, the impacts of mechanized transformation on farmland ecosystems in Zhong County, Chongqing (2019-2024), were evaluated via remote sensing technology, landscape pattern indices, and Geographic Information System (GIS). A comprehensive assessment framework was developed across three dimensions: cropland quality enhancement, plot layout optimization, and topographic adaptation. The key findings included the following. (1) Mechanization upgraded 65.4% of inefficient farmland to high-standard agricultural land, significantly altering land use patterns. (2) Land use intensification increased markedly, with a 63.6% reduction in farmland patch number and a 64.3% decrease in patch density. Morphological improvements included an 18.8% decline in the landscape shape index (LSI) and a 37.3% reduction in edge density (ED). (3) Topographic simplification was achieved through reductions in slope complexity (6.1-18.9%) and elevation variation coefficients (2.96-6.28%). This research provides empirical evidence for optimizing ecological patterns through mechanization, and it offers actionable insights into sustainable agricultural development in hilly regions.