Journal of Peanut Science

In order to optimize the spatial layout of peanut production and clarify the regional characteristics of the peanut industry in Liaoning of China, the regional comparative advantage analysis, spatial Gini coefficient, geographical concentration index, and cost-benefit analysis were applied in this study to investigate the peanut production. The changes in production patterns from 2005 to 2022 were analyzed and the key driving factors were identified. The results showed that during this period, the peanut planting area and total output in Liaoning increased significantly by 1.2 and 2.5 times, respectively. Peanut has become the core oil crop in the province. However, yield stability remains insufficient and consistently lags behind the national average. Regions with a scale advantage in peanut production evolved in stages, since 2016, have been concentrated in Fuxin, Jinzhou, and Huludao. Efficiency advantages require further improvement, while overall advantages have gradually concentrated in Huludao. In terms of spatial patterns, peanut production in Liaoning has been chronically exhibiting a high degree of geographic concentration. The natural conditions of western and northwestern Liaoning are the primary drivers of this spatial evolution. Peanut production also competes with grain crops for resources. Although low labor input provides a low-cost advantage, peanut faced greater price volatility and declining market competitiveness in recent years. Nevertheless, the profit margin of peanut production remains higher than that of japonica rice and maize in Liaoning, providing strong economic incentives for continued peanut expansion.