Mediterranean Agriculture Research Articles

Opportunistic Mediterranean agriculture – Using ephemeral pasture legumes to utilize summer rainfall

The wet winters and summer droughts of dry Mediterranean-type climates create a highly seasonal supply of feed for livestock. Much of the forage value of winter-active annual pastures and crop residues is realized as dry feed during summer–autumn. Sporadic summer–autumn rainfall rapidly degrades the quality of dry plant residues. In low rainfall areas of the southern Australian wheatbelt, there are no well-adapted crops or pastures to convert summer rainfall into high-quality green feed and supplementary feeding is required to maintain livestock condition. We therefore investigated two undomesticated ephemeral legumes (Cullen cinereum and Cullen graveolens). In a field experiment, the ephemerals were dormant in winter–spring and responded strongly to summer rainfall, with 0.45–0.82tha–1 of shoot dry weight produced over summer. Extrapolation of regional historic rainfall records showed similar or greater summer–autumn rainfall in 40% of years and also suggested that conditions will probably be too dry for perennial pastures such as Medicago sativa (lucerne) to persist in up to 60% of years. An analysis using MIDAS, a bio-economic model, suggested that ephemerals could increase total farm profit and stocking rates (10.3% and 7.7%, respectively), and decrease supplementary feeding of grain by >50% by providing high quality feed in years that summer–autumn rainfall occurs. We suggest there is considerable potential for ephemeral legumes to contribute to the sustainability of mixed agriculture in dry Mediterranean-type climates by utilizing sporadic summer rainfall whilst complementing existing annual pasture and cropping systems.

Optimal forage grass germplasm for drought-prone Mediterranean environments

Extensive livestock production is a basic socio-economic feature of rainfed Mediterranean agriculture that is threatened by overgrazing and desertification of natural grasslands and by climate change. The cultivation of improved, drought-tolerant perennial forages can alleviate these constraints. This study aimed to support breeders in choosing target species and plant types, and agronomists in setting site-specific forage recommendations for the western Mediterranean basin. Three-year dry matter (DM) yield and final survival of two cultivars of cocksfoot (Kasbah, completely summer dormant; Jana, non-dormant) and two of tall fescue (Centurion and Flecha, both incompletely dormant) that were top-performing in previous studies were assessed in six rainfed sites of Algeria, France, Italy, Morocco and Portugal. Site mean annual water for the crop ranged from 321 to 669mm. On average, tall fescue displayed higher DM yield and a slight trend towards greater persistence than cocksfoot. However, species and cultivars within species displayed interaction with location. Factorial regression was preferable to other techniques for modelling adaptive responses. Cultivar DM yield was modelled as a function of spring–summer (April–September) drought stress and late-spring (May–June) daily maximum temperatures of locations, whereas cultivar final survival was modelled as a function of mean annual water available and absolute minimum temperature of locations. Indications on expected best-performing material were produced for combinations of these climatic variables, highlighting the excellent yielding ability of Flecha across drought-prone environments, the good persistence of Flecha and Kasbah in most environments, and the adaptation of the remaining cultivars to specific climatic conditions. Besides driving cultivar recommendations, our results can support breeders’ decisions also in view of predicted climate changes. Tall fescue has general interest for Mediterranean drought-prone areas. Completely summer-dormant cocksfoot germplasm could also be useful for these areas, especially the warmer ones, if its yielding ability in the cool season could definitely be improved.

Biomass supply for energetic purposes from some Cardueae species grown in Mediterranean farming systems

In order to explore complementary biomass sources, field studies were conducted on Cynara cardunculus botanical varieties (globe artichoke and cultivated cardoon) for energy purposes. In addition, the potential of milk thistle (Silybum marianum L. Gaertn.) as a suitable energy crop for Southern Europe countries was investigated. The three different crops were compared over three years (2007–2010) in a Mediterranean environment (Sardinia, Southern Italy) for quantitative and qualitative (calorific value, ultimate and proximate analyses, ash composition) biomass characteristics.Annual biomass production across years averaged about 10, 4, and 16Mgha−1 in cardoon, globe artichoke and milk thistle, respectively. The chemical analysis of biomass showed a similar composition among crops with a mean ash content of 14% and a higher calorific value of about 17MJkg−1. Annual energy yield ranged between 64GJha−1 reached by globe artichoke and 275GJha−1 reached in milk thistle. The exploitation of globe artichoke crop residues for energetic purpose can represent a complementary income for farmers. The present study confirms the good biomass yield of cardoon in cultivation systems characterized by limited water input and indicate milk thistle as a promising crop for biomass production. Future work is necessary in order to investigate different genotypes of the three crops for potential biomass and grain yield and their chemical composition, to detect agronomic practices suitable to optimize qualitative crops performances and to set up specific cropping systems.

Adapting to uncertainty associated with short-term climate variability changes in irrigated Mediterranean farming systems

Short-term perspectives appear to be relevant in formulating adaptation measures to changed climate variability (CCV) as a part of the European Rural Development Policy (RDP). Indeed, short-run CCV is the variation that farmers would perceive to such an extent that a political demand would be generated for adapting support measures. This study evaluates some relevant agronomic and economic impacts of CCV as modelled in a near future time period at the catchment scale in a rural district in Sardinia (Italy). The effects of CCV are assessed in relation to the availability of irrigation water and the irrigation needs of maize.The Environmental Policy Integrated Climate (EPIC) model was used to simulate the impact of key climatic variables on the irrigation water requirements and yields of maize. A three-stage discrete stochastic programming model was then applied to simulate management and economic responses to those changes.The overall economic impact of a simulated CCV was found to be primarily caused by reduced stability in the future supply of irrigation water. Adaptations to this instability will most likely lead to a higher level of groundwater extraction and a reduction in the demand for labour. Changed climate variability will most likely reduce the income potential of small-scale farming. The most CCV-vulnerable farm typologies were identified, and the implications were discussed in relation to the development of adaptation measures within the context of the Common Agricultural Policy of European Union.

Erosion in the Mediterranean: The Case of Olive Groves in the South of Spain (1752–2000)

Despite the key role that soil and its management have played in the sustainability of farming societies, few historical studies have been carried out on erosion and its effects. In Mediterranean agriculture, erosion from olive cultivation is currently one of the region's main environmental problems. This essay develops a case study from southern Spain to quantify soil loss in olive groves over three centuries, using empirical data and model analysis methods that enable us to distinguish between different levels of erosion throughout history. After identifying the main periods of soil erosion, we explore the social and institutional context of the region to explain the factors that changed management of olive groves and influenced soil losses. The main objective of this essay is to provide a historical perspective on soil erosion that considers social and institutional factors.

Diversity in Mediterranean farm ponds: trade‐offs and synergies between irrigation modernisation and biodiversity conservation

Summary1. Agricultural intensification has caused dramatic biodiversity loss in many agricultural landscapes over the last century. Here, we investigated whether new types of farm ponds (made of artificial substrata) in intensive systems and natural‐substratum ponds in traditional farming systems differ in their value for aquatic biodiversity conservation.2. We analysed the main patterns of environmental variation, compared α‐, β‐ and γ‐diversity of macroinvertebrates between ponds types and evaluated the role of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV). Generalised additive models (GAM) were used to analyse the relationships of α‐ and β‐diversity with environmental predictors, and variation partitioning to separate the effect of environmental and spatial characteristics on the variation in macroinvertebrate assemblages. Moran’s eigenvector maps (MEMs) were used to define spatial variables.3. A principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) detected a primary environmental gradient that separated nutrient‐rich ponds from those dominated by SAV; a secondary morphometric gradient distinguished natural‐substratum ponds, with large surface area and structural complexity, from artificial‐substratum ponds with steeper slopes. Natural‐substratum ponds had almost twice the α‐ and γ‐diversity of artificial‐substratum ponds, and diversity significantly increased when SAV was present, particularly in artificial‐substratum ponds. Total phosphorus (TP) strongly contributed to explain the patterns in diversity, while SAV was a significant predictor of assemblage composition and diversity. GAMs revealed optima of both α‐diversity at intermediate SAV covers and β‐diversity at intermediate–high TP concentrations.4. These findings have important implications for conservation planning. Adaptation of artificial‐substratum ponds by adding natural substratum and smoothing the gradient of pond margins would improve their conservation value. Development of SAV with occasional harvests and certain cautionary measures to control nutrient levels may also improve both the agronomical and environmental function of ponds.

Delphi method applied to horticultural cooperatives

PurposeAgricultural cooperatives have been able to become a strong and consolidated organizational form, although the new challenges of globalization and trade liberalization require changes in the strategic approach. The requirements of the distribution companies, consumers and government about the concentration of demand, traceability, food safety and respect for the environment had led to a thorough reorganization of agricultural food systems. So it is necessary to undertake a strategic review of horticultural cooperatives in order to conduct a strategic assessment and hence identify the strategic actions to be followed in the coming years. This paper seeks to address these issues.Design/methodology/approachAn empirical study has been carried out during the first half of 2011 consisting in the application of the Delphi method and sending a questionnaire to experts whose purpose was to gain a view of the strategic situation of horticultural cooperatives in Spain. The Delphi method is a projection technique of the qualitative and subjective type which is appropriate for studies where there is little information on the subject to be analysed, and also for exploratory studies, as it is the case study of examining the role of agricultural cooperatives in coming out of the crisis of Mediterranean agriculture.FindingsThe performed Delphi analysis revealed that Mediterranean agriculture suffers from a severe crisis for which the solutions are hard to find, although the existence of the agricultural cooperatives and certain specific forms of performance and financing can partly improve the described situation. The application of the SWOT analysis based on the opinions of the experts provided sufficient detailed insights of the actual situation of the cooperatives. Thus, from the Delphi SWOT applied to Mediterranean agriculture and agricultural cooperatives, the authors can make some important assessments which are included in their paper.Originality/valueIt is a forward‐looking analysis that tries to give measures to the sector, but measures that come from the sector, in order to face the Mediterranean agriculture crisis.

Mitochondrial haplotypes reveal olive fly (Bactrocera oleae) population substructure in the Mediterranean

The olive fly (Bactrocera oleae) is the most important olive tree (Olea europaea) pest. In the Mediterranean basin, where 98% of its main hosts are concentrated, it causes major agricultural losses, due to its negative effect on production and quality of both olive and olive oil. Previous phylogeographic analyses have established that Mediterranean olive fly populations are distinct from other Old World populations, but did not agree on the specific population substructure within this region. In order to achieve a higher resolution of the diversity of olive fly populations, particularly in Central and Western Mediterranean (home to 70% of the world production), we comparatively analyzed a set of samples from Portugal in the context of published mitochondrial sequences across the species' worldwide range. Strong evidence of population substructure was found in the Central and Western Mediterranean area, with two clearly separate phylogenetic branches. Together with previously published data, our results strongly support the existence of at least three distinct Mediterranean populations of the olive fly, raise the possibility of additional regional substructure and suggest specific avenues for future research. This knowledge can be instrumental in the development of better management and control strategies for a major pest of Mediterranean agriculture.

Comparison of antioxidant activities of juice, peel, and seed of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) and inter-relationships with total phenolic, Tannin, anthocyanin, and flavonoid contents

In this study, the antioxidant activities of juice, peel, and seed parts of pomegranate were investigated by using DPPH scavenging activity, β-carotene bleaching method, reducing power, and metal chelating activity. Sample of pomegranates which are named Punica granatum L. cv. Hicaznar, genotype 19–121, genotype 17–67, and genotype 19–66 obtained from BATEM (West Mediterranean Agricultural Research Institute) in Anlalya. The EC50 values of DPPH scavenging activities in peel extracts (PE) had 23.4-fold higher than the juice extracts (JE), and the seed extracts (SE) had 2.3-fold higher than JE. The reducing power in peel extracts was found to be 4.7-fold higher than SE and 10.5-fold higher than the JE. The highest metal chelating capacity (37.22%) was determined in peel, while the lowest (7.151%) in seed. Generally, in peel, the total polyphenol, flavonoid, tannin contents, and in juice, the total polyphenol, anthocyanin, tannin contents, and acidity significantly affected to antioxidant activities.

Mediterranean agriculture under climate change: adaptive capacity, adaptation, and ethics

In the coming decades, the Mediterranean region is expected to experience various climate impacts with negative consequences on agricultural systems and which will cause uneven reductions in agricultural production. By and large, the impacts of climate change on Mediterranean agriculture will be heavier for southern areas of the region. This unbalanced distribution of negative impacts underscores the significance and role of ethics in such a context of analysis. Consequently, the aim of this article is to justify and develop an ethical approach to agricultural adaptation in the Mediterranean and to derive the consequent implications for adaptation policy in the region. In particular, we define an index of adaptive capacity for the agricultural systems of the Mediterranean region on whose basis it is possible to group its different sub-regions, and we provide an overview of the suitable adaptation actions and policies for the sub-regions identified. We then vindicate and put forward an ethical approach to agricultural adaptation, highlighting the implications for the Mediterranean region and the limitations of such an ethical framework. Finally, we emphasize the broader potential of ethics for agricultural adaptation policy.

Spatial and Temporal Variability of Groundwater Nitrate Concentrations in Irrigated Mediterranean Agriculture

As nitrogen (N) fertilizer-use efficiency rarely exceeds 50% in most agricultural systems, the potential leaching of N to the groundwater, particularly under irrigated conditions, has economic, health, and environmental implications. Research in the Akarsu irrigation district in the Lower Seyhan Plain in southern Turkey sought to determine spatial and temporal variability of groundwater (GW) nitrate (NO3) concentrations in 2007–2008. Shallow groundwater observation wells 3 m deep were installed at different locations to represent the whole irrigation district. Groundwater samples were collected (February, April, July, October) and analyzed for ammonium (NH4) and NO3 concentrations. Because NH4 values were negligible, only NO3 data were processed to determine spatial and temporal variability and then used to develop regional NO3 maps using geographic information systems. Groundwater NO3 concentrations ranged between 0.17 and 55.96 mg L–1 during the 2 years, only exceeding the critical 50 mg L–1 concentration in 1% of the area sampled. The areal mean of NO3 concentration was greatest in February, indicating a potential N leaching of unused N from the early season with intensive rainfall, especially in wheat-growing areas. Groundwater NO3 concentrations decreased after February; however, during the peak irrigation season in July, NO3 was relatively low because of crop uptake during spring and summer. In about half the area, groundwater NO3 concentrations ranged between 20 and 50 mg L–1 and were thus marginal relative to the critical pollution level. As N fertilizer use will continue to increase, especially with the expanded irrigation that is now occurring in the Mediterranean region, regular monitoring of groundwater NO3 is advisable under such conditions.

Breaking down the growth of family farms: A case study of an intensive Mediterranean agriculture

Agricultural statistics performed in Europe show the persistence and strength of the processes of concentration, capitalization and intensification of farms in the last years. Remarkably, these patterns of change appear to be compatible with the persistence of family farms. One of the elements enabling family farms to advance along these pathways of growth has been the transformation of their organizational forms. Thus, the spread of partnership arrangements involving several related families have been registered in several OECD countries. This paper pursues a twofold objective: On the one hand, to analyze the farm structural dynamics at the micro-level in a study area specialized in an intensive agricultural system such as horticulture. This purpose makes it necessary to develop an analytical scheme in order to capture the diversity of individual farms’ trajectories and to reduce it to a limited number of categories of structural change. On the other hand, we aim to shed light on the relationship between some family characteristics and the farm structural dynamics, paying particular attention to the existence of multifamily partnerships. The primary data for this research was provided by a survey of 135 farmers. A combination of Multiple Correspondence Analysis and a K-means clustering was performed to obtain a farm typology upon the base of both farms’ ‘static’ characteristics and their patterns of structural evolution. The results show that multifamily partnerships are widespread in the study zone, and have made it possible for farms to embark on more aggressive growth pathways.

Advances in validating SALTIRSOIL at plot scale: First results

SALTIRSOIL (SALTs in IRrigated SOILs) is a model for the medium to long term simulation of soil salinity in irrigated, well-drained lands. Once the algorithms were verified, the objective of our study was to validate SALTIRSOIL under one of several water quality and management scenarios in Mediterranean agriculture. Because drip and surface are the most common irrigation systems in irrigated agriculture in Valencia (Spain), the validation was performed with climate, soil, irrigation water (composition and management) and crop (species and management) information from an experimental plot surface irrigated with well water and planted with watermelon that has been monitored since the late spring of 2007. To carry out the validation, first we performed a global sensitivity analysis (GSA). Second, we compared simulated soil saturation extract composition against measured data. According to the GSA, SALTIRSOIL calculations of soil salinity seem to be most affected by climate (rainfall and evapotranspiration) with 60% of explained soil salinity variance, water salinity with 26% of explained variance, and then irrigation with 4%. According to the closeness of the first comparisons between predictions and measurements, SALTIRSOIL does not seem to be affected by any systematic error, and as a consequence, neither inclusion of new parameters nor calibration of the others already included would be needed at least for surface irrigation. The validation of SALTIRSOIL continues under other water quality and irrigation management scenarios.

Evaluation of developed standard sweet corn (zea mays sacharata l.) hybrids for fresh yield, yield components and quality parameters

Sweet corn is primarily grown for fresh consumption, canning or freezing and harvested during the milky stage. Sweet corn growing is getting increasing in Turkey. To meet growers demand sweet corn variety breeding program has been carried out at West Mediterranean Agricultural Research Institute since 2000. Pedigree breeding procedure was applied to develop new sweet corn varieties. The objective of the study was to evaluate newly developed some sweet corn candidate hybrid varieties for their fresh yield, some yield components and determine some quality parameters in different locations of Turkey. In the present study, four candidate sweet corn hybrids (BT-1, BT-2, BT-3 and BT-4) which were selected from previous trials for further evaluations and three commercial checks, Jubilee, Merit and Sunshine were compared and the results were discussed. According to the results, BT-4 was determined as a new promising hybrid among the four candidates for fresh yield and some quality parameters.

Towards adaptation of agriculture to climate change in the Mediterranean

This study links climate change impacts to the development of adaptation strategies for agriculture on the Mediterranean region. Climate change is expected to intensify the existing risks, particularly in regions with current water scarcity, and create new opportunities for improving land and water management. These risks and opportunities are characterised and interpreted across Mediterranean areas by analysing water scarcity pressures and potential impacts on crop productivity over the next decades. The need to respond to these risks and opportunities is addressed by evaluating an adaptive capacity index that represents the ability of Mediterranean agriculture to respond to climate change. We propose an adaptive capacity index with three major components that characterise the economic capacity, human and civic resources, and agricultural innovation. These results aim to assist stakeholders as they take up the adaptation challenge and develop measures to reduce the vulnerability of the sector to climate change.

Climate at the onset of western Mediterranean agriculture expansion: Evidence from stable isotopes of sub-fossil oak tree rings in Spain

Climate conditions during the early Holocene may have contributed to the spread of Old World agriculture from its area of birth, in the Fertile Crescent (Near East), west through the Mediterranean Basin. Reconstructing the specific environmental conditions existing in early agricultural settlements of the western Mediterranean may help to elucidate this point. The aim of this work was to gain information on past climate of one of the earliest agricultural settlements of the Iberian Peninsula, La Draga, a lacustrine site dating back to the 2nd half of the 8th millennium BP, in which post fragments of deciduous oak have been exceptionally well preserved in an anaerobic environment (sub-fossil wood). We studied the relationship between climate factors and carbon isotope discrimination (Δ13C) and oxygen isotope composition (δ18O) in wood α-cellulose from modern tree-ring series of Quercus humilis Mill. and Quercus petraea (Matt) Liebl. recovered from the area. Climatic responses observed in extant material were used to interpret the isotopic signal of wood α-cellulose extracted from sub-fossil wood. Results showed that water availability of late spring, early summer and September influences Δ13C and δ18O, which allows their use as proxies for palaeoclimatic reconstruction. Differences between sub-fossil and extant samples in Δ13C (19.35 vs. 18.02‰) and δ18O (26.32 vs. 29.28‰) records suggest slightly lower temperatures and higher plant water availability than at present during the establishment of agriculture at the site. These results seem to disprove the existence of an environmental limitation preventing continuation of hunting and gathering activities as a cause for the adoption of agriculture in this early agricultural site on the Iberian Peninsula.

Verticillium wilt of olive: a case study to implement an integrated strategy to control a soil-borne pathogen

Olive (Olea europaea L.) is one of the first domesticated and cultivated tree species and has historical, social and economical relevance. However, its future as a strategic commodity in Mediterranean agriculture is threatened by diverse biotic (traditional and new/emerging pests and diseases) and abiotic (erosion, climate change) menaces. These problems could also be of relevance for new geographical areas where olive cultivation is not traditional but is increasingly spreading (i.e., South America, Australia, etc). One of the major constraints for olive cultivation is Verticillium wilt, a vascular disease caused by the soil-borne fungus Verticillium dahliae Kleb. In this review we describe how Verticillium wilt of olive (VWO) has become a major problem for olive cultivation during the last two decades. Similar to other vascular diseases, VWO is difficult to manage and single control measure are mostly ineffective. Therefore, an integrated disease management strategy that fits modern sustainable agriculture criteria must be implemented. Multidisciplinary research efforts and advances to understand this pathosystem and to develop appropriate control measures are summarized. The main conclusion is that a holistic approach is the best strategy to effectively control VWO, integrating biological, chemical, physical, and cultural approaches.

Climate change and agricultural adaptation: assessing management uncertainty for four crop types in Spain

CR Climate Research Contact the journal Facebook Twitter RSS Mailing List Subscribe to our mailing list via Mailchimp HomeLatest VolumeAbout the JournalEditorsSpecials CR 44:83-94 (2010) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/cr00921 Climate change and agricultural adaptation: assessing management uncertainty for four crop types in Spain Ana Iglesias1,*, Sonia Quiroga2, Jeremy Schlickenrieder1 1Department of Agricultural Economics and Social Sciences, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain 2Department of Statistics, Economic Structure and International Organisation, Universidad de Alcalá, 28802 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain *Email: ana.iglesias@upm.es ABSTRACT: Climate change inevitably leads to large regional variations in risks and opportunities and is likely to affect most farmers in the Mediterranean in the next decades. The interpretation of climate projections to determine appropriate policy responses is not without difficulties, such as understanding local uncertainty and responses of specific crops to sets of conditions. Here we analyse the potential impacts of climate on agriculture in the Mediterranean—a region that exemplifies other regions of the world that are prone to drought and are likely to experience increased frequency and intensity of droughts in the future. Our analysis relies on understanding the sources of uncertainty derived from climate scenarios, agricultural systems, impact responses and risk levels to support informed decisions for planned agricultural adaptation. We generated multiple projections of impacts based on different models of climate change and crop response in order to capture uncertainties. We used statistical models of yield response and projections of climate change generated from 16 climate scenarios to address the likelihood of projected impacts on traditional Mediterranean farming systems, represented in this study by cereals, grapes, olives and citrus. Results show that uncertainty varies widely by crop and location, and adaptation priorities will therefore depend on the risk focus of adaptation plans. KEY WORDS: Uncertainty · Climate change · Risk · Adaptation · Agriculture · Mediterranean region Full text in pdf format PreviousNextCite this article as: Iglesias A, Quiroga S, Schlickenrieder J (2010) Climate change and agricultural adaptation: assessing management uncertainty for four crop types in Spain. Clim Res 44:83-94. https://doi.org/10.3354/cr00921 Export citation RSS - Facebook - Tweet - linkedIn Cited by Published in CR Vol. 44, No. 1. Online publication date: October 28, 2010 Print ISSN: 0936-577X; Online ISSN: 1616-1572 Copyright © 2010 Inter-Research.

Yield performance and grain lipid composition of standard and oleic sunflower as affected by water supply

Sunflower has potential in Mediterranean farming systems because of the modest auxiliary input requirement, appreciable productivity and quality of raw material. These aspects are affected by the interactions among genetic, environmental and agronomic factors, which have not been fully explored. Therefore, the effects of four water regimes as proportion of crop evapotranspiration (0%, 33%, 67%, 100%) on grain yield and its components, oil yield and grain lipid constituents, i.e. fatty acids (FAs), unsaponifiable matter (UM), phytosterol (Phy), policosanol (PC) and tocopherol (Toc) fractions of a standard and an oleic sunflower hybrids were assessed in a 2-year field experiment. The relationships between crop productive traits and oil quality features were also analysed. In general, as the water supply (WS) increased grain yield and related traits as well as achene's lipid synthesis and oil yield of each genotype (G) were positively affected. Conversely, the significant WS × G interaction found for the grain lipid composition indicated that the hybrids responded to different water treatments by modifying the proportions of major FAs as well as the UM and its total Phy, PC and Toc concentrations, with non-univocal percentage changes of their respective compounds. An increase of the unsaturation ratio of oil occurred when water (rainfall + irrigation) input increased, although at different level for each hybrid according to their genetic constitution. Because of the influence of warm climatic conditions, standard hybrid provided oil with an oleic–linoleic acid balance similar to that of mid-oleic typology. Within the oil UM, which contains also bioactive metabolites involved in the resistance of the plant to various abiotic constrains, total Phy concentration increased and total PC concentration decreased as the water (rainfall + irrigation) input was reduced, but to a different extent in the two hybrids. The most effective combinations of studied treatments for total Toc concentration were standard hybrid irrigated at both 33% and 67% of ETc replacement and oleic hybrid without irrigation. The results suggest that growing sunflower in a water-limited Mediterranean-type environment is possible to produce satisfactory grain and oil yields with an appropriate use of irrigation. Some oil quality characteristics suitable for different industrial uses could also be achieved by a combination of WS with standard or oleic typology of sunflower hybrids.

Rangeland utilization in Mediterranean farming systems

In the countries surrounding the Mediterranean basin, most of the semi-natural grazing lands are covered by rangelands. Rangelands can be defined as highly heterogeneous natural vegetation communities with high conservation value, growing in harsh environments (poor soils, unfavourable climatic conditions). In the recent socio-economic context, traditional livestock grazing practices that enabled one to reconcile rangeland preservation and animal production no longer apply, especially because they require labour that has become scarce and costly. The consequence is rangeland degradation, due to underutilization in Southern Europe, and overutilization in Northern Africa. We analysed issues raised by rangeland utilization in livestock farming systems of the Mediterranean basin. Based on a review of the scientific literature about rangeland utilization in this area, we argue that the best way to reconcile animal production and rangeland preservation would be to promote management practices allowing animals to express their adaptative capacities in feeding behaviour and productive response. In order to propose management practices adapted to extensive and simplified systems, we conclude that research efforts should focus on: (i) proposing a functional characterization of vegetation heterogeneity at the scale of the vegetation community, (ii) validating the criteria determining animals’ foraging behaviour on Mediterranean rangelands, (iii) developing and using simulation models to test management strategies against seasonal and long-term variability in climatic conditions and (iv) evaluating the potential of modern technologies for improving rangeland utilization.