Spatial suitability evaluation of the conversion and utilization of crop straw resources in China

Crop straw-a carbon-neutral bio-based resource-is gaining attention because of its scalable and sustainable conversion and utilization modes amid the coordinated pollution control and carbon reduction efforts. Building on prior research with limited scope, this study introduces a multidimensional evaluation framework for spatial suitability encompassing the entire chain of conversion and utilization of crop straw resources. The framework intertwines the spatial heterogeneity and multiple conversion and utilization modes of crop straw resources, transcending the limitations of a single focus by evaluating three major modes simultaneously. In China, the spatial distribution characteristics and potential of crop straw resources at the provincial level have stabilized over time. Crop straw resources are concentrated in the provinces of North China, Northeast China, and the Middle-lower Yangtze River agricultural region, where the proportion of the flat cultivated land area is higher than 78% of the total area, and the spatial distribution is wide and concentrated. Their annual collectable potential generally exceeds 50 Mt. Spatial suitability evaluation reveals that twelve provinces, including Beijing, are suitable for promoting fertilizer utilization, eight provinces, such as Inner Mongolia, are suitable for promoting feed utilization, and ten provinces, such as Henan, are suitable for promoting energy utilization. Overall, this study informs policymakers on optimization strategies for the high-quality and efficient conversion and utilization of crop straw resources.