LAND SUITABILITY ANALYSIS FOR EMERGING FRUIT CROPS IN CENTRAL PORTUGAL USING GIS

Fruit production is an important component of agricultural production in Portugal, and it has a positive impact on the economy, especially in rural areas. In recent years, there has been increased investment in so-called ‘emerging crops’. It is agreed that using the crops that are best suited to the soil and climate conditions as well as the socio-economic environment promotes sustainable use in rural areas. The objective of this study is to determine the suitability of different emerging fruit crops for cultivation in the Beira Baixa region based on analysis of soil and climate factors. The pistachio tree (Pistacia vera L.), strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.), almond tree (Prunus dulcis (Mill.) DA Webb) and walnut tree (Juglans regia L.) were checked against the biophysical criteria for cultivation. The results were processed using a geographic information system. Analysis was performed using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP). Thus, after dividing the problem into hierarchical levels of decision-making, a pairwise comparison of criteria was performed to evaluate the weights of these criteria based on a scale of importance. Then, the consistency of these operations was validated. The AHP was adequate for evaluation of fruit tree species’ suitability since it enabled integration of several criteria, decision-making and problem resolution. It is essential to be aware of the suitability and resilience of new crops in order to meet the need to adapt to climate change.