Spatial prioritization of tomato cultivation based on water footprint, land productivity, and economic indices

Abstract

In this study, the water footprint (WF) and its components, the water footprint economic value (WFEV), and the economic land productivity (ELP) for tomato cultivation in Iran were determined. These data were used in a multicriteria decision-making tool (PROMETTEE II) to prioritize tomato production in more agriculturally sustainable regions of the country. The results indicate that the average WF of tomato production in Iran on a national scale is 327.2 m 3 /t, with a WFEV of 0.49 USD/m 3 and an ELP of 3611.31 USD/ha. The green WF of tomato production ranged from 1.5 to 38.8 (average 15) m 3 /t, the blue WF ranged from 46.2 to 638 (average 273.3) m 3 /t, and the grey WF ranged from 86.8 to 771.6 (average 327.2) m 3 /t. Comparing the WFEV, ELP, and WF of tomatoes with 30 major agricultural products in Iran shows that this product holds a higher cultivation priority than grains and cereals. Based on the resulting WF and economic evaluations, the tomato growing areas are classified into eight clusters, from the most to least suitable for growing tomatoes.

Estimating Yield Response Functions to Nitrogen for Annual Crops in Iran

“…Conversely, in some inland regions like parts of south Khorasan, Kordestan, and Kerman, where arid or desert-like conditions prevail, tomato cultivation might yield lower outputs [62]. Limited water availability, high temperatures, and arid soils pose challenges, necessitating notable irrigation efforts and resource-intensive practices to sustain tomato crops, ultimately impacting yields negatively [63] (Figures 15 and 16). Our study aligns with [64], confirming the diverse influence of climate, soil, water, and farming practices on tomato cultivation.…”

“…These results also highlight the benefits of greenhouse cultivation in leading tomato-producing regions for both quality and quantity. practices to sustain tomato crops, ultimately impacting yields negatively [63] (Figures 15 and 16). Our study aligns with [64], confirming the diverse influence of climate, soil, water, and farming practices on tomato cultivation.…”

Dynamics of the Agricultural Water Footprint and the Decoupling Associations with Agricultural Economic Growth in Hangzhou, China

“…Based on the theory of the water footprint, research on water resource assessment and its association with human activities has also been further developed. Many studies have used indicators such as the water footprint economic value [26] and the water poverty index [27], which are based on the water footprint, in terms of evaluating regional water resources security [28]. Certain scholars have used water footprints to explore the sustainable utilization of regional water resources [29], as well as water usage coordination and its association with economic development [30] and urbanization [31].…”