Agricultural carbon emissions and sinks play a crucial role in achieving sustainable development, especially in the context of global climate change. This study examines the spatiotemporal characteristics and driving factors of agricultural carbon footprints in Jiangsu, China, using data from 2001 to 2020. The emission factor method was used to calculate carbon emissions, sequestration, and footprints for different regions and crops, while the geographic detector model was used to analyze the key factors influencing carbon footprints and their interactions. The results show a downward trend in the overall agricultural carbon footprint, with total emissions decreasing from 437.08×10⁴ t to 417.09×10⁴ t. Carbon sequestration increased over the years, with rice and wheat being the main carbon sequestering crops. A distinct spatial pattern of “higher in the north, lower in the south” was observed, with northern Jiangsu having a higher carbon footprint and southern Jiangsu having a significant ecological carbon surplus. Key factors such as the level of agricultural technology and labor force significantly influenced the spatial distribution. The study recommends promoting low-carbon technologies and optimizing cropping structures in northern Jiangsu to balance regional carbon footprints. These findings provide a quantitative basis for green agricultural development in Jiangsu and insights for low-carbon agricultural policy formulation in other regions.