Conventional Olive Groves Research Articles

Conventional versus organic olive farming: which has a better economic performance?

The European Green Deal sets a target of at least 25% of the total EU agricultural land under organic farming by 2030. In the case of the Spanish olive sector, organic olive farming accounts for barely 10% of the national agricultural area dedicated to this crop. Within this context, this study compares the economic performance of Spanish conventional and organic olive farms in terms of productivity, profitability, viability, resilience, and independence. To do so, microdata provided by the Spanish Farm Accountancy Data Network have been used, and matching methods have been applied to conduct an unbiased comparative analysis of matched conventional and organic farms. Results show statistically significant differences in productivity, with conventional olive groves being more productive. However, CAP subsidies are shown to be an effective instrument for promoting the conversion to organic farming in olive groves since they cancel out the differences in profitability between these two production systems. There is also evidence of the greater resilience of organic farms. These results could contribute to a more efficient design of instruments promoting the ecological transition of agriculture in line with the aforementioned policy objective.

A Comparison of Energy Use in Conventional and Organic Olive Production in Kaz Mountains, Çanakkale, Türkiye

Agriculture is one of the biggest sectors and energy consumption during agricultural production causes a release of 11 % of greenhouse gasses leading to climate change. Since after the industrialization of agriculture, farming systems shifted towards high-intensity farming, yet in Türkiye, traditional farming methods continue. In this study we compare the energy efficiency of organic vs. conventional olive groves in Kaz Mountains, Türkiye. 71 farmers were interviewed face-to-face in two subsequent years and the energy efficiency of the olive production process was calculated as the ratio of the energy spent during farming to the energy content of the fruit. Fuel use was calculated under the direct energy input, whereas production processes of fertilizer, agricultural machinery, maintenance and repair, human and animal labor were calculated under indirect energy inputs. Here we show that conventional olive production was less energy efficient due to the high indirect energy input during the production of synthetic fertilizers. There was no relationship between the energy input and yield. This study shows that by improving energy efficiency, the technical performance of agricultural systems can be increased and their negative impact on the environment can be reduced.

Contribution of Agro-Environmental Factors to Yield and Plant Diversity of Olive Grove Ecosystems (Olea europaea L.) in the Mediterranean Landscape

Olive cultivation (Olea europaea L.) is one of the most significant sources of income for agricultural areas in the Mediterranean basin, and the olive oil industry as well as the environmental protection are an important part of the Greek agricultural sector. Generalized Linear Models were applied in order to investigate the predictive strength of several biodiversity components and agro-environmental factors for yield and herbaceous plant diversity (species richness) in organic and conventional olive groves of Greece. Our study highlights an increase in yields of organic olive groves by increasing manure application and the earthworms’ density. In the conventional olive groves, yields increase by increasing soil organic matter and the application of inorganic fertilizer N. Also, the herbaceous plant species richness increases with increasing the Shannon diversity index of herbaceous plants, the field area, the application of organic fertilizer K and the manure in organic olive groves. As for the conventional ones, herbaceous plant species richness increases with the increase of the application of inorganic fertilizer N. Moreover, some plant species could be regarded as indicators of the differently managed olive groves. Conclusively, this study contributes to the integration of biodiversity conservation with ecologically sustainable agriculture and conservation of agroecosystem. Finally, it could be utilized as a decision and management tool to the scientific and agricultural community reinforcing the knowledge about the agro-environmental impact in olive grove management systems.

Social Valuation of Mediterranean Cultural Landscapes: Exploring Landscape Preferences and Ecosystem Services Perceptions through a Visual Approach

Mediterranean cultural landscapes have been recognized as multifunctional landscapes that are currently threatened by two opposing trends: rural abandonment and agricultural intensification. Uncovering people’s perceptions of different landscape configurations, and how inhabitants value the contributions of nature to human wellbeing, is essential to understanding current landscape trends. In this study, we analyze the social perception of the cultural landscapes of Sierra Morena (Andalusia, Spain) based on 389 face-to-face visual questionnaires in an attempt to understand individuals’ landscape preferences, the reasons behind those preferences and how those landscapes are perceived as suppliers of ecosystem services by different groups of stakeholders. Four groups of stakeholders were identified that differed in how they perceive and value the cultural landscape. An urban-related group was characterized by their preferences for pine plantations and “green” landscapes, guided mostly by aesthetic criteria. A livestock-related group showed a clear preference for wood–pasture landscapes (dehesas) due to their ability to supply multiple ecosystem services. An environmentally aware group showed preferences for dehesas and Mediterranean forests, mainly guided by ecological criteria. Finally, an olive-related group showed a clear preference for olive grove landscapes as key for the regional economy and their cultural identity. Overall, the local inhabitants of Sierra Morena perceived a higher supply of ecosystem services in moderately disturbed landscapes, such as dehesas and mosaic landscapes, than in highly disturbed ones, such as conventional olive groves and pine plantations, or in less used landscapes, such as the Mediterranean forest. Understanding the differences in valuation/demand for ecosystem services among groups of stakeholders, characterized by their landscape preferences, provides important information with which to identify potential trade-offs and conflicts, thereby providing insights into the improvement of landscape planning and decision making.

Evaluación de los procesos superficiales de escorrentía en cárcavas originadas en olivares convencionales. Un apartado a tener en cuenta en la planificación territorial

Se analiza la respuesta hidrologica de una carcava efimera frente a un evento de lluvia equivalente de frecuencia “ordinaria” (≈1 ano) a partir de una simulacion de escorrentia en una cuenca experimental con olivar en Puente Genil, Cordoba (Espana). Mil litros de agua fueron bombeados durante 10 minutos y la descarga total, la velocidad superficial de avance de frente de flujo, la concentracion de sedimentos y los cambios morfologicos en el perfil transversal fueron calculados. Los resultados mostraron elevadas diferencias entre las tasas de escorrentia de hasta un 17% entre las condiciones “secas” y “humedas”. La concentracion de sedimentos instantanea llego a alcanzar valores de hasta 40 g l-1. Se concluye que las carcavas en olivares convencionales son capaces de registrar elevadas tasas de erosion y escorrentia, particularmente bajo condiciones de mayor humedad. Se requiere mas informacion y atencion a las medidas de control sobre la erosion por el flujo concentrado de la escorrentia en la planificacion agricola.

Terrestrial isopods as bioindicators for environmental monitoring in olive groves and natural ecosystems

ABSTRACTTerrestrial isopods (Crustacea: Isopoda: Oniscidea) are an important component of biodiversity as they constitute useful bioindicators for monitoring environmental quality in a variety of natural and agricultural ecosystems. In the present study, the predictive strength of several important components of biodiversity (e.g. herbaceous and woody plants, etc.) and agro-environmental factors for isopod species richness in each management system of olive groves and a natural ecosystem in central Greece was investigated. Our study highlights an increase in isopod species richness with increasing air humidity, woody plant species richness and soil organic matter in organic olive groves. It is noteworthy that woody plant species richness could be utilised as the best candidate for monitoring isopod species richness. In the conventional olive groves, isopod species richness decreases possibly due to herbicide and inorganic fertiliser application. In abandoned olive groves, isopod species richness increases with increasing soil plant litter and pH. Moreover, soil organic matter has been proved to be a positive indicator of isopod species richness in maquis ecosystems. The species Porcellio laevis can be regarded as an indicator for organic olive groves. Conclusively, this paper contributes to the integration of biodiversity conservation with ecologically sustainable agriculture, conservation of agroecosystem and natural ecosystem services and preserving landscape.

Comparing the soundscapes of organic and conventional olive groves: A potential method for bird diversity monitoring

Abstract Modern intensive agricultural practices are causing stress on ecosystems worldwide, with the loss of biodiversity due to decreased landscape heterogeneity as well as high use of synthetic agro-chemicals. Organic farming is seen as an effective way of counteracting this trend. Despite this, relatively little research has been carried out on the effects of olive farming on biodiversity in Greece. This study uses bioacoustic monitoring for a first order assessment of the bird diversity in olive groves. It uses acoustic indices to compare the soundscape of eleven organic and eleven conventional olive groves in Messinia in southern Greece. Three bioacoustics indices: the Acoustic Complexity Index (ACI), the Acoustic Diversity Index (ADI) and the Bioacoustic Index (BIO) were used. Olive groves under organic farming had significantly higher values for the ACI and BIO indices, and a higher but not significant different value for the ADI index. Organic groves showed a much more heterogeneous and complex structure with a mixture of tree species and varying canopy height than conventional groves. Landscape variables were similar between management practices and did not influence the index results. Site level variables, especially underlying vegetation height, had a significant influence on the ACI and BIO indices. Our results suggest that bioacoustic indices could provide a cost effective and non-intrusive way for bird diversity monitoring.

The metabolic and genetic diversity of soil bacterial communities depends on the soil management system and C/N dynamics: The case of sustainable and conventional olive groves

Under Mediterranean type climates, a sustainable soil management aimed at increasing soil organic carbon and microbiological diversity is of key importance. The aim of this study was to characterize and compare soils from a mature Mediterranean olive (Olea europaea L.) orchard subjected to two different soil management systems (sustainable, Smng, and conventional, Cmng) for 18 years. Composite soil samples were analyzed qualitatively (pedological determinations) and quantitatively (soil C, N and pH). Bacterial metabolic activity and diversity were evaluated spectrophometrically by the Biolog® assay, while 16S-based metagenomics analysis was used to analyse the abundance of N-cycling bacteria. From the general analysis of the data obtained by the study of soil profiles and litter, C and N dynamics, and the genetic and functional diversity of soil bacteria, it emerged that the Smng system caused an improvement in soil organic matter in the topsoil layers, compared to the Cmng system, with consequent increases in the abundance of soil N-cycling bacteria but without affecting the indices related to total bacterial metabolic activity and diversity. The results obtained could promote the development of new approaches for optimizing soil carbon cycling, managing nutrient transport, and sustaining and improving olive yield and quality.

Comparing organic and conventional olive groves relative to energy use and greenhouse gas emissions associated with the cultivation of two varieties

Abstract Organic farming is applied in olive groves in Lesvos Island the last 20 years. “Kolovi” and “Adramitiani”, two dominant varieties are cultivated. Since there is limited research for energy inputs in olive groves, 62 conventional and 26 organic farms were selected during 2011–2013 in order to (a) determine the differences in energy flow among farming systems and varieties, (b) group olive groves based on energy flow indicators, (c) compare the CO2-equivalent emissions among farming systems and varieties. A combination of univariate and multivariate statistical methods was applied. Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) revealed three farm groups, all consisted of conventional and/or organic olive groves and included both varieties. Group 1 had the lowest energy inputs, while Group 3 the highest. Fuels and transportation, as energy inputs, had the highest contribution in farms’ grouping. A large number of external variables was studied, most of which (fruit production, olive oil production, pomace production, shoot production, olive oil energy production, pomace energy production, shoot energy production, total energy inputs, total energy outputs, intensity, energy efficiency, and energy productivity) had statistically significant differences among the three Groups. Management practices along with geographical location could be a reasonable explanation for the differences between the groups of studied olive groves. Group 3 had the highest non-renewable energy inputs (14,683.5 MJ ha−1) and consumption (2.4 MJ kg−1) and gas emissions (1.27 Mg ha−1 CO2, 0.17 kg ha−1 CH4, and 10.31 g ha−1 N2O). Group 2 had the highest renewable energy inputs (7065.8 MJ ha−1) and consumption (0.9 MJ kg−1), and low CO2-equivalent per fruit production (0.12 kg kg−1). The above mentioned results show that best management farming practices introduce the use of renewable energy inputs and lead to lower gas emissions.

Species Richness and Density of Earthworms in Relation to Soil Factors in Olive Orchard Production Systems in Central Greece

Earthworms can be used as bioindicators of soil management as they are easy to classify and very sensitive to changes of both physical and chemical soil parameters. The aim of this work was to study relations between earthworm species (richness and density) and the physicochemical soil properties such as pH, organic matter, soil moisture, and texture (percentages of sand, silt, and clay) under different farming practices (organic and conventional) in olive groves in central Greece. The data revealed significantly greater values of earthworm species richness, density, soil organic matter, and moisture in the organic olive groves than in the conventional ones. Furthermore, total earthworm density was positively correlated to earthworm Shannon diversity index, soil moisture, organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in organic olive groves. However, total earthworm density was negatively correlated to soil pH and silt in conventional olive groves. It can be concluded that species richness and density of earthworms in olive groves can be considered as sensitive indicators of management practices.

The effects of farming practices on earthworm dynamics in olive groves of central Greece

We compared species richness, species composition, density and biomass of earthworm communities in organically and conventionally managed olive groves in central Greece. Earthworm biomass and density was significantly higher (p<0.05) in organic olive groves than in conventional olive groves. The highest species richness was recorded in the organic olive groves. Six species were recorded in total: Octodrilus complanatus, O. croaticus, Dendrobaena byblica, D. veneta, Aporrectodea caliginosa, and Microscolex phosphoreus. Only four of these were found in conventional olive groves, where D. veneta and M. phosphoreus were absent. The most abundant species were O. complanatus, D. veneta, and D. byblica.

Evaluación comparativa multifuncional de sistemas agrarios mediante AHP: Aplicación al olivar ecológico, integrado y convencional de Andalucía

Even though multifunctionality concept is reflected, implicit or explicitly, in the design of actual agrarian policies, its consideration when analysing and assessing farming systems is relatively limited in the scientific literature. Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is proposed with this aim. AHP is a multicriteria discrete decision support technique that is used in complex decision making. This methodology is stated jointly with a proposed procedure to measure relative agreement among decision makers and uniformity of alternatives’ performances in group decision making. Finally AHP is implemented in the assessment of organic, integrated and conventional olive groves in Andalusia considering criteria of a different nature – economic, technical, sociocultural and environmental –. The final purpose is determining the more interesting growing techniques from a holistic point of view for all the society in the medium/long-term on the basis of knowledge of experts on olive.

Energy budget in organic and conventional olive groves

An energy analysis, combined with an economic one, in conventional and organic olive groves is useful in evaluating present situation and deciding best management strategies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the differences in the energy budget between organic and conventional olive groves in three locations in the island of Thasos and to calculate CO 2-emissions based on the used fossil energy. The data were collected through personal interviews with farmers during 2000–2003. Twenty-four farmers, who owned olive groves about 1 ha each, were randomly selected to participate in this study [(4 conventional and 4 organic) × 3 locations]. The means averaged over all locations for fertilizer application energy was significantly higher in conventional than in organic olive groves, while the opposite occurs for insect trapping energy. Means averaged over the two farming systems for weed control energy were significantly higher in the northeastern part of the island, followed by the northwestern and southern part. The means averaged over all locations for labor and fertilizers energy were significantly higher in conventional than in organic olive groves, while the opposite was observed for tools energy. Means averaged over the two farming systems for labor and tools energy were significantly higher in the northwestern part of the island. Means averaged over the two farming systems for electric and pesticides energy were significantly higher in the northwestern part of the island. Total energy inputs were not affected by any of the studied parameters, while outputs were affected by the location, by the farming system and their interaction. Outputs in the northeastern part of the island and production in all parts of the island were significantly lower in organic than in conventional olive groves. Outputs and production were lower in the southern part of the island than in the other parts, since olive groves in southern Thasos are located in slopes with less productive soils. The results show a clear response of energy inputs to energy outputs that resulted from the farming system and location. Global warming potential and CO 2-emissions were not affected by the farming system and location. Organic olive groves tended to have lower CO 2-emissions caused by the different uses of fossil energy.

Soil arthropods (Coleoptera, Isopoda) in organic and conventional agroecosystems.

The relationship between two soil arthropod communities (Coleoptera and Isopoda) in organic and conventional fields was investigated. Soil arthropods were sampled by pitfall traps, and fuzzy set theory and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) were used for their classification. The study was conducted in: (1) two organic and two conventional vineyards, (2) two organic and two conventional olive groves, and (3) one organic rotation system that involved maize and one conventional maize field. The species composition (three main fuzzy groups) was affected by the crop species and not by the farming system. The CCA placed the rare and unique taxa of soil arthropods at the edges of the diagram and grouped most of them together in relation to soil organic matter and Ca. The same analysis grouped all olive groves and related them to soil organic matter, all vineyards and related them to soil P and, finally, all maize fields and related them to soil N.