Ημερίδα ενημέρωση με θέμα: "Γεωργία Άνθρακα στις Ελαιοκαλλιέργειες - Οφέλη, Εφαρμογές και προκλήσεις"  - Οκτώβριος 2024 - Άγιος Κωνσταντίνος

Canopy management and carbon sequestration in the olive grove

By UNAPROL - CONSORZIO OLIVICOLO ITALIANO SOCIETA'CONSORTILE PER AZIONI

A recent article published by the Italian magazine "Olivo e Olio"1 reminds us of the importance of the correct management of pruning residues for maintaining the organic matter of the soil. The drought that is affecting agriculture in the Mediterranean areas, with negative consequences on production, should be an incentive to look for solutions to improve the water storage capacity in the soil. The organic carbon content, in fact, influences the improvement of water infiltration, with a consequent increase in water reserves, reducing runoff, as well as promoting the supply of nutrients, the reduction of erosive phenomena and the maintenance of soil biodiversity.

Considered in the past as a waste to be burned or at best removed for various uses, today the need to reduce emissions of climate-altering gases and the depletion of organic substance in the soil have encouraged a more appropriate treatment of pruning residues. They are increasingly shredded directly in the field, returning part of the otherwise lost organic material to the soil. The recent CAP guidelines favoring the maintenance of existing carbon deposits, increasing carbon sequestration and the protection and conservation of biodiversity (Ecoscheme 3 – Safeguarding olive trees of particular landscape value), also push towards the ban on burning and removal of pruning residues.

One year after the introduction of EU aid schemes to mitigate climate change and favor environmental protection, Ecoscheme 3, particularly relevant to olive growers, is the one farmers most responded to: in Italy over 600,000 hectares are managed in line with Ecoscheme 3 (source Agea). From an economic standpoint, there are many measures that farmers can implement to increase and maintain carbon deposits in the soil of their olive groves, including shredding, grassing and the supply of organic material, such as organic manure. The effects on the carbon deposit in the soil will also depend on the interaction of the mentioned agronomic techniques with soil humidity and temperature, soil structure, initial carbon supply and the presence of microorganisms. This is a slow process that requires 4 or 5 years before seeing positive and measurable effects on soil carbon concentration. In line with these guidelines, UNAPROL promotes olive grove management among its olive growers which, in addition to grassing, involves the shredding and burial of pruning residues: thanks to the opportunities offered by the fifth call for supply chain contracts promoted by the Italian Ministry of Agriculture, incentives were assigned (40-50% capital contribution) for the purchase of new shredding machines. 

The shredding and subsequent decomposition of the residues will allow, in the medium term, to recover part of the organic substance and increase the carbon deposit in the soil, improving the structure and functions of the soil, favoring water retention, the provision of nutrients, the reduction of erosive phenomena and the maintenance of biodiversity, making olive groves more resilient to the challenges posed by climate change such as drought and extreme storm events.

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