Innovation in crop rotations for sustainable integrated crop-livestock systems: The case of a typical semi-arid Mediterranean area

Abstract

Integrated organic crop-livestock systems represent a sustainability model on which many environmental, economic and social expectations have been placed, especially in some areas with limited availability of natural resources. In recent years, among the fodder crops in rotation on organic livestock farms, conditions have been created for the emergence of soya (Glycine hispida, M.), also due to the coupled aid granted by the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). A generalised spread of soybean, however, may generate unsustainable production patterns, especially in Mediterranean areas characterised by limited irrigation and weed management issues. With respect to the above, the research assessed the holistic sustainability of using field beans (Vicia faba, L.) in rotation for fodder purposes. To this end, a technical-economic and environmental analysis was carried out with economic balances and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), through which a number of synthetic efficiency indices were developed. The results demonstrate the validity of the agronomic choice in achieving environmental efficiency, but also the importance of soil management and reducing the livestock load per unit area in order to simultaneously maintain economic and social efficiency levels.