Food security threatened as unsuitable land used for agriculture in China.
The study evaluated the suitability of land for agriculture in the Taihang Mountains by analyzing soil properties, topography, and location conditions. Results showed that areas with higher suitability for crop production were mainly in plains and basins, while mountainous areas had lower suitability. Factors like slope, soil organic matter, texture, and depth were crucial in determining land suitability. The research suggested that de-farming should be considered in marginally suitable and unsuitable areas, while expanding croplands in highly or moderately suitable land. This evaluation can help in planning future land use in the Taihang Mountains.