Methodological Proposal for the Analysis of Land Suitability for Corn Cultivation as an Energy Crop through the Application of Geographic Information Systems

J. Sedano-Cibrián(1), R. Pereda-García(1), R. Pérez-Álvarez(1), L. Vejo-Fernández(2,3), B.R. Salas- Menocal(1) 1. Grupo de Investigación de Ingeniería Cartográfica y Explotación de Minas, Escuela Politécnica de Ingeniería de Minas y Energía, Universidad de Cantabria, Torrelavega (Spain). 2. Consejería de Educación, Gobierno de Cantabria. 3. Departamento de Transportes y Tecnología de Proyectos y Procesos, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander (Spain). 2026-06-27

Abstract

The growth in energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions has intensified the search for renewable sources to
decarbonize the energy system. In this context, biomass and biofuels are presented as relevant alternatives. Corn (Zea mays L.) is an energy crop of great interest due to its high productivity, agroclimatic adaptation, and capacity for bioethanol and biodiesel production. This study evaluates the suitability of the territory of the Autonomous Community of Cantabria (Spain) for the application of corn as energy crop, for the production of biofuels, using a methodology based on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA). The analysis integrates environmental, geographical, and socioeconomic criteria, weighted using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method, classifying the territory into five levels of suitability. The results identify zones with high potential in low-altitude areas with gentle slopes and good accessibility, supporting energy planning and sustainable land management.

Key words: Energy crops, Optimal location, Bioethanol Biodiesel, Biomass.

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