Suitable areas for cultivation of protein-rich crops in Sweden : An GIS-based study on 7 protein-rich crops

Abstract: Conditions are predicted to become more favorable for protein-rich crops in Northern Europe, which bring opportunities for cultivation of protein-rich crops in Sweden. This study assessed the current suitability for cultivation of protein-rich crops in Sweden based on biophysical conditions. This study defined suitability indicators with suitability conditions for each crop regarding (i) soil texture, (ii) soil pH value, (iii) vegetation period length, (iv) and soil temperatures were created, and overlayed to create suitable areas for protein-rich crops. Suitable areas and distributions were found for: common bean, faba bean, field pea, lentil, narrow-leafed lupin, quinoa, and soybean. A present and future risk analysis with wet and dry periods was carried out to find suitable areas for the crops under the risk of wet and dry periods. The study found that Sweden have the possibility to cultivate protein-rich crops to a greater extent which is shown by the distribution of suitable areas for protein-rich crop. Quinoa was found suitable to be cultivated in nearly all arable land in Sweden. In the future, there is an increase in suitable areas for protein-rich crops that are not exposed to drought. A decrease was seen in suitable areas for protein-rich crops that are not exposed to flooding.