Diversifying mountain agricultural systems in Armenia: Land suitability assessment for crop transition and sustainable intensification
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Agricultural production in mountainous regions is limited by a combination of climatic, topographic and soil factors, requiring evidence-based land use planning. This study aimed to assess land suitability for crop transition and sustainable intensification in the mountainous regions of Armenia. Land suitability of eight crops (apricot, peach, pear, wheat, potato, cabbage, broccoli and green bean) was evaluated using an integrated Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Geographic Information System (GIS) methods based on 13 biophysical and soil parameters, including climate, topography and soil properties. Expert judgements were used to determine crop-specific weights, and elevation thresholds were applied as strict constraints to improve spatial accuracy The results revealed striking differences in land-crop matching efficiency across land use types. Perennial crops showed strong spatial constraints: only 4.1% (4482 ha) of cultivable land (arable land, irrigated arable land and backyard) was classified as highly suitable (S1), while for combined analysis (S1+S2) it was 20,574 ha. Low to moderate overall efficiency (16.9–51.1%) indicates their sensitivity to climatic and topographical factors. Wheat suitability analysis classified 10,369 ha (S1+S2), with moderate (43.6-55.5%) efficiency, indicating the potential to contribute to national self-sufficiency. Potato showed the highest suitability (S1: 6490 ha, and S1+S2: 13,527 ha), highlighting strong agroecological compatibility and potential for market-oriented production. High-value vegetables showed significant hidden potential, with broccoli and green beans at 13,133 and 12,611 ha (S1+S2), respectively, despite minimal existing cultivation. The findings show that 43%–60% of the cultivable land is in the moderate to unsuitable (S3, S4 or NS) areas, offering an excellent opportunity to increase productivity. For all crops, low nitrogen and phosphorus availability required external fertilisation, highlighting the importance of integrated soil fertility management. This study provides a robust scientific basis for strategic crop diversification, climate-smart agricultural planning, and targeted support for smallholder farmers in mountainous regions.
Language: English
Subfield: Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDGs: Zero hunger, Life on land
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,530
OpenAlex ID: W7154451476