Methodology of land resources assessment for agricultural production in Russia (at the example of hop cultivation)

Original methodology for land evaluation was elaborated as based on GIS technologies and FAO land evaluation approaches. Unique register of soil resources of Russia was used as a basis for land suitability analysis for hop cultivation in Russia. Optimal territories for hop cultivation occupy in Russia only 0.01% of lands. Greatest constraints for hop cultivation are associated with the soil and climatic conditions. The smallest potential expenditures for the cultivation of hop are expected for the territory of European Russia, the south of West Siberia and in the Far East on the “warm” plains. The greatest investments will be required for the cultivation of hop in the mountain regions of the Urals, Altai, in the mountains of East Siberia and Far East.