Potential, attainable, and current levels of global crop diversity

Abstract High levels of crop species diversity are considered beneficial. However, increasing might be difficult because environmental constraints and the reliance on a few major crops for most food supply. Here we introduce theoretical framework hierarchical diversity, in which requirements limit potential demand agricultural products further constrain attainable diversity. We estimated global potential, attainable, current grid cells 86 km 2 . To do so, first cropland suitability values each 171 crops, with spatial distribution models to get estimations relative model estimate absolute suitability. then used allocation algorithm distribute required area suitable cropland. show that is lower temperate continental areas than tropical coastal regions. The gap (the difference between diversity) particularly large Americas relatively small parts Europe East Asia. By filling these gaps, could double 84% world’s land without changing aggregate amount produced. It follows while there important regional differences specialization farms regions main reason low local across globe, rather our high crops.