Integrating the land–water–climate nexus approach with spatial-based sustainable agriculture production

CONTEXT: A policy on agricultural land zoning, based on land suitability maps, has been introduced to optimize the use of resources for crop production in Thailand. However, the impact of activities occurring during cultivation in different land suitability classes has not been considered. A land–water–climate nexus index (LWCNI) has therefore been introduced as a holistic analysis that integrates three indicators––land-use intensity, water-use
intensity, and climate change impact in terms of GHG emissions. This can guide resource allocation by highlighting areas that need improvement.
OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess the land–water–climate nexus in different land-suitability classes for sugarcane and cassava in Thailand in order to compare the nexus performances and improve the planning and management of resources for sustainable production.
METHODS: The LWCNI was developed and assessed by combining it with geographic information system–based tools for evaluating the nexus performances of sugarcane and cassava cultivation as per the agricultural zoning policies. The scope of the work was “from cradle to farm-gate”, and the final products considered were sugarcane and fresh cassava.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The results revealed that sugarcane cultivation in moderate-suitability areas is the most effective, with the best LWCNI score being 0.87, suggesting efficient cultivation practices with a minimal use of land and water resources, and a minimal climate change impact. The three indicators of land-use intensity,