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

Abstract

AbstractIn 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 m3/t, with a WFEV of 0.49 USD/m3 and an ELP of 3611.31 USD/ha. The green WF of tomato production ranged from 1.5 to 38.8 (average 15) m3/t, the blue WF ranged from 46.2 to 638 (average 273.3) m3/t, and the grey WF ranged from 86.8 to 771.6 (average 327.2) m3/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.