OPTIMISING THE STRUCTURE OF CROPLAND AS A TOOL FOR CLIMATE ADAPTATION IN LAND USE AND AGROECOSYSTEMS

Abstract

Climate change has become a major driver of transformations in agricultural land use, affecting crop distribution, production systems, and the spatial specialization of agriculture. Rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, increasing drought frequency, and more frequent extreme weather events require adaptive approaches that combine environmental sustainability with economic efficiency. In this context, optimizing crop area structure represents an important mechanism for improving the resilience of agricultural production while preserving the productive potential of agricultural land. The purpose of the study is to assess the impact of climate change on crop area transformation in Ukraine, evaluate the environmental and economic efficiency of major crops under different natural and climatic conditions, and develop scientifically grounded approaches to optimizing crop allocation as an adaptive strategy for sustainable agricultural land use. The methodological framework integrates statistical, comparative, analytical, economic, cartographic, structural, and spatial analysis based on long-term data on crop distribution, productivity, and economic performance across different climatic zones. The results reveal substantial regional shifts in crop patterns, including the expansion of heat-demanding crops into northern regions and increasing moisture limitations in southern Ukraine. Significant differences in crop profitability confirm that production efficiency is strongly influenced by regional environmental conditions, making climate adaptation an essential component of agricultural decision-making. The study demonstrates that optimizing crop structure should be based on the integration of environmental and economic criteria rather than short-term market considerations alone. Particular attention is devoted to crop diversification, drought-tolerant crops, scientifically based crop rotations, and increasing the adaptive capacity of agricultural landscapes. The proposed approaches contribute to reducing production risks, improving resource efficiency, maintaining soil fertility, and supporting evidence-based decisions on agricultural specialization and climate adaptation at farm and regional levels.