Suitability of Slovakian Landscapes for Vegetable Growing

The cultivation of vegetables in Slovakia has traditionally occurred in the vicinity of human settlements, predominantly in allotments. Large-scale vegetable production requires not only intensification measures but also a strategic selection of regions with optimal soil and climatic conditions. In Slovakia, this selection is limited by the availability of arable land suitable for vegetable cultivation. This study quantifies and delineates areas that are very suitable, suitable, poorly suitable, and unsuitable for the major vegetable species grown in the region. The findings indicate that the largest proportion of very suitable arable land is best suited for the cultivation of cauliflower (35%), celery (33%), beans (31%), and beetroot (28%). Conversely, the analysis reveals that a significant proportion of arable soils possess potentially unsuitable conditions for specific crops, with asparagus (94%), peppers (80%), and cucumbers (71%) exhibiting the highest percentages. In addition, an analysis of actual vegetable cultivation between the years 2020 and 2024 indicates that a substantial portion of certain crops, specifically 75% of celery, 59% of tomatoes, 56% of cauliflower, and 54% of carrots are cultivated in areas that are very suitable for their growth. In contrast, 81% of pumpkin, 79% of beetroot, and 47% of beans are produced under unsuitable conditions. By optimizing the selection of suitable areas and soils, the potential of the Slovak landscape can be utilized more efficiently for domestic vegetable production.