Spatial agglomeration differences and its influencing factors of apple industry in Shanxi

【Objective】The regularity of spatial agglomeration and its mechanism of apple industry in Shanxi were analyzed systematically，which could provide reference for promoting resource integration and industrial layout optimization of apple producing areas.【Method】Based on the data of statistical yearbooks of China and Shanxi from 2011 to 2021， the spatial distribution and historical evolution of apple industrial spatial agglomeration in Shanxi was analyzed by using location quotient and Moran’s I，and the influencing factors of Shanxi apple industrial spatial agglomeration were analyzed based on geographic detector.【Result】The location quotient of Shanxi’s apple industry rose with fluctuations and showed a characteristic of increasing in the south and decreasing in the north，and the industrial center further moved towards the southwest. The location quotient of Yuncheng was decreased as a traditional agglomeration of the apple industry，while the location quotient of Linfen was significantly increased as a new agglomeration of the apple industry. The Moran’s I of Shanxi apple industry showed a decline trend with fluctuations. Counties（districts）of Yuncheng and Linfen formed a significant high-high industrial agglomeration pattern. A small number of counties（districts）in other cities formed a low-high industrial distribution pattern，and most of the rest counties（districts）formed a low-low industrial distribution or random distribution pattern. The main factors affecting apple industry agglomeration were the area ratio of apple and grain，apple orchard area，fertilization amount，irrigation area，local highway traffic mileage，and rural per capita disposable income，followed by fruit orchard area，rural population and the output value of agriculture，forestry，husbandry and fishery.【Suggestion】Based on the natural resources of apple production in various regions of Shanxi，the spatial planning and layout should be optimized，and the coordinated development of emerging and traditional producing areas should be promoted. Steadily adjust the planting structure，expand the function of science and technology spillover，improve the ability of industrial service guarantee，extend the entire industrial chain of apple to drive the integration of three industries， and promote the deep development of apple industrial agglomeration through resource sharing and complementary advantages.