[Objective] The comprehensive value of cultivated land in the North China Plain were estimated

and the value differences and change trends were analyzed

in order to provide a scientific basis for the protection of cultivated land in China

and promote the formation of a new pattern of “multiple integrated” cultivated land protection. [Methods] Based on the actual function of cultivated land and the impacts of artificial cultivation

the value of cultivated land was divided into positive values (economic value

social value

and ecological value) and negative values (environmental impacts of pesticides and chemical fertilizers). The comprehensive value of cultivated land in the North China Plain in 2000

2010

and 2020 was calculated by the income reduction method

the value substitution method

and the equivalent factor method. [Results] The values of cultivated land in the North China Plain in 2000

2010

and 2020 were 5.01×1012

8.45×1012

and 6.43×1012 yuan

respectively. The proportion of the economic value of cultivated land showed a downward trend

and the positive value was greater than the negative value during the study period. Moreover

the distribution of the value among provinces was unbalanced

and was greatly affected by cultivated land area

farming methods

and agricultural product prices. The value of cultivated land in Shandong Povince has always been more prominent

while the value of cultivated land in He’nan Province has fluctuated greatly. The negative value of cultivated land per unit area in each province showed an upward trend. [Conclusion] In 2000

2010

and 2020

relative to the positive value in the North China Plain

the proportion of economic value showed a downward trend

and the importance of the social value and the ecological value of cultivated land gradually became prominent. The negative value per unit of cultivated land in each province showed large regional differences

and the negative value showed an upward trend

especially in He’nan Province. The negative impacts of agricultural film and chemical fertilizer on cultivated land have not been effectively controlled

and the trend is increasing year by year.