Analysis of Mediterranean organic greenhouse production economics and the impact of introducing agro-ecological practices

Abstract

Organic greenhouse production can be a challenge, particularly in terms of selecting agricultural practices that can sustain crop production without creating environmental or economic burdens. This study was designed to assess the economic implications of the integration of agro-ecological practices within a two-year organic greenhouse rotation programme under Mediterranean conditions. Three organic systems were compared; one was a ‘conventionalised’ system based on input substitution (SUBST) and two systems were based on agro-ecological practices associated with cover crops and different soil fertility management regimes using animal manure (AGROMAN) and compost (AGROCOM). The two-year rotation included three crops: strawberry, tomato and green bean. The results revealed better economic performance, for some aspects, of AGROMAN and AGROCOM compared with the ‘conventionalised’ organic system (SUBST) and demonstrated the economic feasibility of introducing agro-ecological practices within a two-year organic greenhouse rotation.