The Experts below are selected from a list of 4137 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Luis Parrasalcantara - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
long term effects of soil management on ecosystem services and soil loss estimation in Olive Grove top soils
Science of The Total Environment, 2016Co-Authors: Luis Parrasalcantara, Beatriz Lozanogarcia, Saskia Keesstra, Artemi Cerda, Eric C BrevikAbstract:Soil management has important effects on soil properties, runoff, soil losses and soil quality. Traditional Olive Grove (OG) management is based on reduced tree density, canopy size shaped by pruning and weed control by ploughing. In addition, over the last several decades, herbicide use has been introduced into conventional OG management. These management strategies cause the soil surface to be almost bare and subsequently high erosion rates take place. To avoid these high erosion rates several soil management strategies can be applied. In this study, three strategies were assessed in OG with conventional tillage in three plots of 1ha each. Soil properties were measured and soil erosion rates were estimated by means of the RUSLE model. One plot was managed with no amendments (control), and the other two were treated with Olive leaves mulch and oil mill pomace applied yearly from 2003 until 2013. The control plot experienced the greatest soil loss while the use of Olive leaves as mulch and Olive mill pomace as an amendment resulted in a soil loss reduction of 89.4% and 65.4% respectively (assuming a 5% slope). In addition, the chemical and physical soil properties were improved with the amendments. This combined effect will created a higher quality soil over the long term that it is more resilient to erosion and can provide better ecosystem services, as its functions are improved.
-
soil quality assessment based on carbon stratification index in different Olive Grove management practices in mediterranean areas
Catena, 2016Co-Authors: Beatriz Lozanogarcia, Luis Parrasalcantara, M L Fernandezromero, Joanna M Clark, Chris D CollinsAbstract:In Mediterranean areas, conventional tillage increases soil organic matter losses, reduces soil quality, and contributes to climate change due to increased CO2 emissions. CO2 sequestration rates in soil may be enhanced by appropriate agricultural soil management and increasing soil organic matter content. This study analyzes the stratification ratio (SR) index of soil organic carbon (SOC), nitrogen (N) and C:N ratio under different management practices in an Olive Grove (OG) in Mediterranean areas (Andalusia, southern Spain). Management practices considered in this study are conventional tillage (CT) and no tillage (NT). In the first case, CT treatments included addition of alperujo (A) and Olive leaves (L). A control plot with no addition of Olive mill waste was considered (CP). In the second case, NT treatments included addition of chipped pruned branches (NT1) and chipped pruned branches and weeds (NT2). The SRs of SOC increased with depth for all treatments. The SR of SOC was always higher in NT compared to CT treatments, with the highest SR of SOC observed under NT2. The SR of N increased with depth in all cases, ranging between 0.89 (L-SR1) and 39.11 (L-SR3 and L-SR4).The SR of C:N ratio was characterized by low values, ranging from 0.08 (L-SR3) to 1.58 (NT1-SR2) and generally showing higher values in SR1 and SR2 compared to those obtained in SR3 and SR4. This study has evaluated several limitations to the SR index such as the fact that it is descriptive but does not analyze the behavior of the variable over time. In addition, basing the assessment of soil quality on a single variable could lead to an oversimplification of the assessment. Some of these limitations were experienced in the assessment of L, where SR1 of SOC was the lowest of the studied soils. In this case, the higher content in the second depth interval compared to the first was caused by the intrinsic characteristics of this soil's formation process rather than by degradation. Despite the limitations obtained SRs demonstrate that NT with the addition of organic material improves soil quality.
-
variation in soil organic carbon and nitrogen stocks along a toposequence in a traditional mediterranean Olive Grove
Land Degradation & Development, 2014Co-Authors: Beatriz Lozanogarcia, Luis ParrasalcantaraAbstract:The impact of the topographical position on soil properties was evaluated in an Olive Grove with traditional tillage. Three topographical positions: summit, backslope and toeslope were chosen for evaluation. The soil samples were taken from four soil sections of 0·25 m (0–1 m). The soil organic carbon (SOC) and N content increased along the downslope direction (5·5, 6·5 and 7·1 g C kg−1 and 0·3, 0·8 and 0·9 g N kg−1 in the surface layer in the summit, backslope and toeslope respectively) as well as SOC and N stocks, considering the two first soil sections. In addition, there was movement of the most erodible textural fraction (silt). However, the total SOC stock (refer to 1 m of depth) did not vary with respect to the topographical position, but the total N stock (refer to 1 m of depth) varied significantly. These increases were due to erosion processes that occur along the toposequence, leading to organic matter transfers from the summit to the toeslope. All the stratification ratios calculated were lower than 2, indicating the low quality of the soils. Therefore, alternative management techniques that avoid soil erosion must be considered in Olive Grove in order to increase the soil quality and fertility. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
-
short term effects of Olive mill by products on soil organic carbon total n c n ratio and stratification ratios in a mediterranean Olive Grove
Agriculture Ecosystems & Environment, 2013Co-Authors: Beatriz Lozanogarcia, Luis ParrasalcantaraAbstract:Abstract Olive Grove soils in semi-arid Mediterranean areas are very poor in organic matter and are exposed to progressive degradation processes. Therefore, additions of the Olive mill by-products as organic amendments can improve soil quality and hence mitigate the negative environmental and agronomic limitations of these soils. A field study was conducted to assess the short-term effects of two oil mill by-products [Olive leaves and alperujo (a two-phase Olive mill waste)] and determine soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), the C:N ratio, and their stratification across the soil profile, in an area under Mediterranean conditions. The experimental design consisted on three large plots each spanning a 100 m × 100 m area covered with unirrigated Olive trees of the Picual variety less than 30 years old under conventional tillage (CT) in the province of Jaen (southern Spain). One of the plots (CT) was used as control plot and the other two were treated with alperujo (CTa) and Olive leaves (CTol), respectively. Soil properties were assessed three years after the by-products were applied. Supplying the soil with the by-products increased C and N stocks. Thus, the SOC stock was 75.4 Mg ha−1 in CT, 91.5 Mg ha−1 in CTa and 136.3 Mg ha−1 in CTol; and the TN stock 12.1, 13.9 and 16.1 Mg ha−1 in CT, CTa and CTol, respectively. SOC, TN and the C:N ratio in the surface horizon were higher in the treated plots (viz. 18.5 g C kg−1, 1.4 g N kg−1 and 13.2:1 in CTa, and 84.1 g C kg−1, 5.7 g N kg−1 and 14.7:1 in CTol) than in the control plot (8.9 g C kg−1, 0.9 g N kg−1 and 9.8:1, respectively). In addition, application of the by-products improved soil quality (the stratification ratio, SR, for SOC was greater than 2). Oil mill by-products such as Olive leaves and alperujo are thus potentially useful as soil amendments since they are effective sources of organic matter and nitrogen, improve soil quality and alleviate the environmental and agronomic limitations of Mediterranean agricultural soils, even those under using CT. In addition, the by-products can be recycled on site.
José Alberto Pereira - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
climatic suitability for haplodrassus rufipes in a mediterranean area linking a predaceous species to the Olive Grove
Proceedings of The 1st International Electronic Conference on Plant Science, 2020Co-Authors: Jacinto Benhadimarin, José Alberto Pereira, Sónia A.p. SantosAbstract:The use of natural enemies against crop pests has been promoted during the last decades. Among natural enemies, spiders are efficient generalist predators. An efficient pest limitation relies on the overlap of the predator and the pest in time and space. In Portugal, the cultivation of the Olive tree (Olea europaea L.) represents a key economic and cultural activity. Previous works highlighted the ground hunter spider Haplodrassus rufipes (Lucas, 1846) (Araneae: Gnaphosidae) as a promising natural enemy against the Olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae (Rossi, 1790), the main pest of the Olive tree in northeastern Portugal. The objectives of this work were (1) to approximate the distribution of H. rufipes throughout the whole Iberian Peninsula using the climatic suitability as surrogate of its potential distribution, and (2) compare it with the distribution of O. europaea to assess the match between the distributions of both species. The probability of occurrence of H. rufipes was approximated using a maxent (maximum entropy) algorithm based on presence-only data. Bioclimatic data was obtained from the WorldClim database at a 1 km resolution. The optimal model was selected using the checkerboard method for data partitioning. The distribution of O. europaea was visualized using a chorological map. The most contributing bioclimatic variables to the maxent model were the mean diurnal range, the temperature annual range, and the precipitation of the driest month. The distribution of O. europaea fairly overlapped the highest values of the bioclimatic suitability of H. rufipes (p > 0.6) throughout the Iberian Peninsula. Our results support further studies on the role of H. rufipes as a potential natural enemy in the Olive Grove agroecosystem. The authors are grateful to the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal), for financial support through the project “Gestao dos servicos de ecossistema no olival utilizando modelos espaciais avancados - OliveSIM” PTDC/ASP-PLA/30003/2017.
-
a guild based protocol to target potential natural enemies of philaenus spumarius hemiptera aphrophoridae a vector of xylella fastidiosa xanthomonadaceae a case study with spiders in the Olive Grove
Insects, 2020Co-Authors: Jacinto Benhadimarin, Maria Villa, Luis F Pereira, Isabel Rodrigues, Marina Morente, Paula Baptista, José Alberto PereiraAbstract:The Olive Grove is a key landscape across the Mediterranean basin. This agroecosystem is threatened by Xylella fastidiosa, the causal agent of the Olive tree quick decline syndrome, Philaenus spumarius being the main vector. A way to limit pest populations relies on the use of biological control agents such as arthropods. Among them, spiders are generalist predators with different hunting strategies that feed mostly on insects and can contribute to limit pests. In this work, field and laboratory data were used to provide a protocol aiming to facilitate the selection of species of spiders among different guilds that could represent potential natural enemies of P. spumarius. Sampling of spiders was conducted in Olive Groves in northeastern Portugal. Two species, namely the orb-weaver Araniella cucurbitina and the ambusher Synema globosum, were selected according to the dominant guilds of spiders inhabiting the Olive crop. We tested the differences of potential predatory efficiency using classical functional response tests with P. spumarius as prey. A type-II functional response was found for A. cucurbitina, whereas a type-I response was found for S. globosum. This difference uncovers a different potential efficiency among the two species as natural enemies of P. spumarius with relevant implications at high prey density in the field. A conceptual workflow to follow the fieldwork and selection of species for further work (i.e., laboratory assays) is provided and discussed. Standardized methods regarding the assessment of the suitability and efficiency of potential natural enemies are essential for the integration of results at different geographical extents and crops. Selecting functional counterparts such as different species of predators occurring at different locations that use the same prey (e.g., a pest) in the same way (e.g., hunting strategy) would facilitate developing biological control schemes.
-
Habitat structure and neighbor linear features influence more carabid functional diversity in Olive Groves than the farming system
Ecological Indicators, 2017Co-Authors: Pedro Martins Da Silva, José Alberto Pereira, Joana Oliveira, Alberto Ferreira, Felícia Fonseca, Carlos Aguiar, Artur R. M. Serrano, José Paulo Sousa, Sónia A.p. SantosAbstract:Abstract The effects of land-use management and environmental features at different scales on carabid beetle diversity and trait structure were assessed across Olive Groves in northeastern Portugal. We selected organic and integrated Olive Groves that were distinct in terms of specific management practices, local linear features and landscape configurations. Besides the management intensification levels, differences in carabid diversity and community traits were mainly due to local habitat and ecological linear structures at a finer spatial scale. Carabid community traits related to disturbance, namely traits of body size and species dispersal ability, responded to land-use intensity and particular Olive Grove features were influencing diversity patterns. Within the Olive Grove patches, larger and brachypterous species were associated to plots with more dense vegetation cover while macropterous and small-sized species were more associated to open areas. Also, larger carabid species benefitted from higher patch size heterogeneity within the landscape mosaics. Our findings indicate that the effects of farming system is contingent on the specific management practices, local and linear features present in agroecosystems such as Olive Groves. Particularly, the influence of local features on carabid diversity patterns and community traits linked to dispersal and movement may be crucial in maintaining pest control at a landscape scale.
-
Abundance and diversity of soil arthropods in Olive Grove ecosystem (Portugal): Effect of pitfall trap type
European Journal of Soil Biology, 2007Co-Authors: Sónia A.p. Santos, José Edouardo Cabanas, José Alberto PereiraAbstract:Abstract Soil arthropod biodiversity is an indicator of soil quality and can be studied using pitfall trapping. In this research, Olive Grove edaphic fauna was assessed at different sampling dates by comparing two different diameters (7 and 9 cm) and three different contents (empty, water and preservative) of pitfall traps in order to determine which type of pitfall trap is more efficient. Considering all pitfall trap types and sampling times, a total of 12,937 individual edaphic arthropods belonging to 11 taxa were recovered. Smaller traps with preservative collected significantly more individuals than the other pitfalls tested. Larger and empty traps collected significantly more spiders and traps with preservative collected more beetles. Smaller and empty traps collected fewer individuals than the other trap types. Both Shannon's diversity and Pielou's evenness indexes were higher in the larger and empty traps and richness was higher in the smaller traps filled with water. The study of myrmecocenosis was emphasised because Olive Grove soil fauna was numerically dominated by Formicidae (56.6% of all organisms captured) belonging to 12 genera and 24 species; Tapinoma nigerrimum , Messor barbarus , Cataglyphis hispanicus , Tetramorium semilaeve , Cataglyphis ibericus , Messor bouvieri and Camponotus cruentatus were the most abundant ant species. Traps with preservative reached the highest accumulation of species for a small number of pitfalls when compared with the other pitfalls studied and a sampling effort of 20 samples is apparently sufficient to sample the greater part of the ant species of the Olive Grove. From this study, it seems that traps with preservative are the best choice to use in further studies concerning the epiedaphic fauna of the Olive Grove.
Primo Proietti - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Organic carbon pools and storage in the soil of Olive Groves of different age
European Journal of Soil Science, 2018Co-Authors: Luisa Massaccesi, Primo Proietti, Luigi Nasini, Luca Regni, M. De Feudis, A. E. Agnelli, R. D'ascoli, Simona Castaldi, Alberto AgnelliAbstract:SUMMARY: Compared with annual crop cultivation, tree Groves might represent a relevant land‐use system to improve C sequestration, but few data are available to support this hypothesis. To evaluate the potential of Olive tree (Olea europaea L., 1753) cultivation to store soil organic C (SOC), we assessed (i) the distribution of organic C in active (water‐extractable and particulate organic C, WEOC and POC, respectively), intermediate (organic matter associated with stable sand‐size aggregates and silt‐ and clay‐size aggregates, SSAs and SCAs, respectively) and passive (organic matter resistant to oxidation, rSOM) pools, (ii) the phenol content of the C pools, (iii) the humic‐C distribution of the intermediate C pool and (iv) the stocks of SOC pools in two Olive Groves of different age (7 years (OG7) and 30 years (OG30)) compared with a nearby site with cereal crops (arable soil, AS). In OG30 the organic C stock of the Olive Grove was no different from that of the AS, but the distribution of SOC pools changed with the age of the Olive Groves. The WEOC and POC increased in the Ap horizon of OGs, probably because of the herbaceous cover and distribution of chipped prunings on the soil. There were fewer SSAs in OG7 than AS, possibly because of pedoturbations from deep tillage before the Olive trees were established, but they increased in OG30. The increase in SSAs and SCAs in the Bw and BC horizons of OG30 was associated with humic‐C and unextractable‐C and a smaller phenol content than AS. This suggested that the Olive tree roots had a positive role through rhizodeposition and root turnover, which favoured the stabilization of organic matter into aggregates at depth. In contrast to the active and intermediate C pools, the passive C pool did not vary following the change in land use from arable to Olive Grove. HIGHLIGHTS: Effects of land‐use change from arable to Olive Grove on soil organic C pools and stocks. Soil organic C stock increased from 7‐ to 30‐year‐old Olive orchard. Olive tree cultivation affected active and intermediate C pools, but not the passive C pool. After 30 years, the Olive Grove stored an amount of SOC similar to that of the arable system.
-
long term amendment with fresh and composted solid Olive mill waste on Olive Grove affects carbon sequestration by prunings fruits and soil
Frontiers in Plant Science, 2017Co-Authors: Luca Regni, Luigi Nasini, Luana Ilarioni, Antonio Maria Enrico Brunori, Luisa Massaccesi, Alberto Agnelli, Primo ProiettiAbstract:The soil amendment with organic wastes represents a way to increase the soil fertility and the organic carbon (C) stored in the agro-ecosystems. Among the organic waste materials produced by agricultural and industrial activities, Olive mill wastes derived from the Olive oil extraction process may represent a suitable soil amendment. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of fresh (SOMW) or composted mixture of SOMW and shredded Olive tree prunings (C-SOMW+P) on the vegetative and productive activities of Olive trees, on the C stored in the tree non-permanent structures (prunings and fruits) and in the soil. The plots treated with SOMW or C-SOMW+P showed higher vegetative and productive activities than the untreated plots, and this was attributed to the higher total N and availability of P and K supplied by the amendments. Consequently, treatments increased the C sequestered in the tree non-permanent structures than in the control trees. However, no significant different effect between SOMW and C-SOMW+P treatments was found for the C stored in prunings and fruits, whereas it was evident a stronger influence of C-SOMW+P than SOMW on soil C sequestration. Indeed, about 50% the C supplied by the treatment with C-SOMW+P was sequestered in the Olive Grove system, with more than 90% of the sequestered C stored into the soil. The low amount of C sequestered in the soil following the addition of SOMW was attributed to its richness of moisture and easily degradable compounds that triggered the mineralization processes controlled by the soil microbial community. Although the 8 years of amendment produced a higher fruit yields than the control, no difference occurred between the characteristics and the oil content of the Olive fruits. Only the total phenol content for the oil obtained from the SOMW-treated plots was significantly higher. The other considered fruit characteristics did not show significant differences.
-
productive and vegetative behavior of Olive cultivars in super high density Olive Grove
Scientia Agricola, 2015Co-Authors: Primo Proietti, Luigi Nasini, Lara Reale, Tiziano Caruso, Francesco FerrantiAbstract:In recent years, there has been an increase in interest in super high-density (SHD) Olive (Olea europaea L.) Groves because they offer early entry into production, increased productivity and the possibility of using modified mechanical vine harvesters. This study was carried out in a young SHD Olive Grove to examine vegetative, histo-anatomical and productive characteristics and oil quality of the Spanish Arbequina and Italian Maurino and Leccino cultivars, characterized by low, low-to-medium and high vigor, respectively. Arbequina had low vigor and limited development in height and width, as well as a high leaf/wood ratio. Maurino had a canopy volume similar to that of Arbequina and, despite a great tendency to grow in height, had low vigor, a rather compact vegetative habitus, but good lighting in the canopy and high production efficiency. In Maurino, a greater palisade parenchyma height and a larger exposed lateral surface area of the palisade parenchyma cells were observed. In the fourth year after planting, fruit production of Arbequina was about 30 % less than Leccino and Maurino. The oil content on a dry weight basis was slightly higher in Arbequina and Maurino than in Leccino. Oil quality was good for all cultivars.
-
carbon footprint of an Olive tree Grove
Applied Energy, 2014Co-Authors: Stefania Proietti, Luigi Nasini, Luca Regni, Luana Ilarioni, Antonio Maria Enrico Brunori, Paolo Sdringola, Umberto Desideri, Francesco Zepparelli, Primo ProiettiAbstract:Abstract In recent years, the role of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of products and processes has increased in importance, since it is the best technique to quantify environmental impacts associated with a process or product. The study was carried out in an Olive Grove located in Central Italy with “Leccino” cultivar. The Olive Grove was established in year 2000 with a planting distance of 5.5 × 5.5 m, trained to the vase system, under dry conditions. The same methodology used for forestry trees (“model tree”) was adopted to estimate the biomass and the respective carbon stock of the below-ground and above-ground parts of the Olive tree as well as quantification of the non-permanent components periodically removed, i.e. fruits and prunings. The environmental impacts associated with management processes were evaluated according to LCA standards (UNI EN ISO 14040 and 14044). In relation to the impact on climate change, the CO2 sources and sinks were calculated in order to obtain the net carbon stock of the Olive Grove. These data were confirmed by experimental measurement of the tree biomass in three representative Olive trees. The treatments and processes that had the greatest impact were identified and the individual phases and materials were then analysed in order to propose possible actions for reducing emissions throughout the entire Olive Grove life cycle. Removals and emissions were compared on a time scale, in order to identify the break-even point. The results allow to assess the carbon footprint of an Olive Grove, at different stages of its life cycle, as a support tool for creating a sustainable production chain in the Olive sector. The paper proposes a methodological approach that can be adopted also in other Olive Groves with different horticultural management models.
Beatriz Lozanogarcia - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
long term effects of soil management on ecosystem services and soil loss estimation in Olive Grove top soils
Science of The Total Environment, 2016Co-Authors: Luis Parrasalcantara, Beatriz Lozanogarcia, Saskia Keesstra, Artemi Cerda, Eric C BrevikAbstract:Soil management has important effects on soil properties, runoff, soil losses and soil quality. Traditional Olive Grove (OG) management is based on reduced tree density, canopy size shaped by pruning and weed control by ploughing. In addition, over the last several decades, herbicide use has been introduced into conventional OG management. These management strategies cause the soil surface to be almost bare and subsequently high erosion rates take place. To avoid these high erosion rates several soil management strategies can be applied. In this study, three strategies were assessed in OG with conventional tillage in three plots of 1ha each. Soil properties were measured and soil erosion rates were estimated by means of the RUSLE model. One plot was managed with no amendments (control), and the other two were treated with Olive leaves mulch and oil mill pomace applied yearly from 2003 until 2013. The control plot experienced the greatest soil loss while the use of Olive leaves as mulch and Olive mill pomace as an amendment resulted in a soil loss reduction of 89.4% and 65.4% respectively (assuming a 5% slope). In addition, the chemical and physical soil properties were improved with the amendments. This combined effect will created a higher quality soil over the long term that it is more resilient to erosion and can provide better ecosystem services, as its functions are improved.
-
soil quality assessment based on carbon stratification index in different Olive Grove management practices in mediterranean areas
Catena, 2016Co-Authors: Beatriz Lozanogarcia, Luis Parrasalcantara, M L Fernandezromero, Joanna M Clark, Chris D CollinsAbstract:In Mediterranean areas, conventional tillage increases soil organic matter losses, reduces soil quality, and contributes to climate change due to increased CO2 emissions. CO2 sequestration rates in soil may be enhanced by appropriate agricultural soil management and increasing soil organic matter content. This study analyzes the stratification ratio (SR) index of soil organic carbon (SOC), nitrogen (N) and C:N ratio under different management practices in an Olive Grove (OG) in Mediterranean areas (Andalusia, southern Spain). Management practices considered in this study are conventional tillage (CT) and no tillage (NT). In the first case, CT treatments included addition of alperujo (A) and Olive leaves (L). A control plot with no addition of Olive mill waste was considered (CP). In the second case, NT treatments included addition of chipped pruned branches (NT1) and chipped pruned branches and weeds (NT2). The SRs of SOC increased with depth for all treatments. The SR of SOC was always higher in NT compared to CT treatments, with the highest SR of SOC observed under NT2. The SR of N increased with depth in all cases, ranging between 0.89 (L-SR1) and 39.11 (L-SR3 and L-SR4).The SR of C:N ratio was characterized by low values, ranging from 0.08 (L-SR3) to 1.58 (NT1-SR2) and generally showing higher values in SR1 and SR2 compared to those obtained in SR3 and SR4. This study has evaluated several limitations to the SR index such as the fact that it is descriptive but does not analyze the behavior of the variable over time. In addition, basing the assessment of soil quality on a single variable could lead to an oversimplification of the assessment. Some of these limitations were experienced in the assessment of L, where SR1 of SOC was the lowest of the studied soils. In this case, the higher content in the second depth interval compared to the first was caused by the intrinsic characteristics of this soil's formation process rather than by degradation. Despite the limitations obtained SRs demonstrate that NT with the addition of organic material improves soil quality.
-
variation in soil organic carbon and nitrogen stocks along a toposequence in a traditional mediterranean Olive Grove
Land Degradation & Development, 2014Co-Authors: Beatriz Lozanogarcia, Luis ParrasalcantaraAbstract:The impact of the topographical position on soil properties was evaluated in an Olive Grove with traditional tillage. Three topographical positions: summit, backslope and toeslope were chosen for evaluation. The soil samples were taken from four soil sections of 0·25 m (0–1 m). The soil organic carbon (SOC) and N content increased along the downslope direction (5·5, 6·5 and 7·1 g C kg−1 and 0·3, 0·8 and 0·9 g N kg−1 in the surface layer in the summit, backslope and toeslope respectively) as well as SOC and N stocks, considering the two first soil sections. In addition, there was movement of the most erodible textural fraction (silt). However, the total SOC stock (refer to 1 m of depth) did not vary with respect to the topographical position, but the total N stock (refer to 1 m of depth) varied significantly. These increases were due to erosion processes that occur along the toposequence, leading to organic matter transfers from the summit to the toeslope. All the stratification ratios calculated were lower than 2, indicating the low quality of the soils. Therefore, alternative management techniques that avoid soil erosion must be considered in Olive Grove in order to increase the soil quality and fertility. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
-
short term effects of Olive mill by products on soil organic carbon total n c n ratio and stratification ratios in a mediterranean Olive Grove
Agriculture Ecosystems & Environment, 2013Co-Authors: Beatriz Lozanogarcia, Luis ParrasalcantaraAbstract:Abstract Olive Grove soils in semi-arid Mediterranean areas are very poor in organic matter and are exposed to progressive degradation processes. Therefore, additions of the Olive mill by-products as organic amendments can improve soil quality and hence mitigate the negative environmental and agronomic limitations of these soils. A field study was conducted to assess the short-term effects of two oil mill by-products [Olive leaves and alperujo (a two-phase Olive mill waste)] and determine soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), the C:N ratio, and their stratification across the soil profile, in an area under Mediterranean conditions. The experimental design consisted on three large plots each spanning a 100 m × 100 m area covered with unirrigated Olive trees of the Picual variety less than 30 years old under conventional tillage (CT) in the province of Jaen (southern Spain). One of the plots (CT) was used as control plot and the other two were treated with alperujo (CTa) and Olive leaves (CTol), respectively. Soil properties were assessed three years after the by-products were applied. Supplying the soil with the by-products increased C and N stocks. Thus, the SOC stock was 75.4 Mg ha−1 in CT, 91.5 Mg ha−1 in CTa and 136.3 Mg ha−1 in CTol; and the TN stock 12.1, 13.9 and 16.1 Mg ha−1 in CT, CTa and CTol, respectively. SOC, TN and the C:N ratio in the surface horizon were higher in the treated plots (viz. 18.5 g C kg−1, 1.4 g N kg−1 and 13.2:1 in CTa, and 84.1 g C kg−1, 5.7 g N kg−1 and 14.7:1 in CTol) than in the control plot (8.9 g C kg−1, 0.9 g N kg−1 and 9.8:1, respectively). In addition, application of the by-products improved soil quality (the stratification ratio, SR, for SOC was greater than 2). Oil mill by-products such as Olive leaves and alperujo are thus potentially useful as soil amendments since they are effective sources of organic matter and nitrogen, improve soil quality and alleviate the environmental and agronomic limitations of Mediterranean agricultural soils, even those under using CT. In addition, the by-products can be recycled on site.
Fernando Leite Pereira - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
modelling rainfall interception by an Olive Grove pasture system with a sparse tree canopy
Journal of Hydrology, 2020Co-Authors: F Valente, J H C Gash, Cristina Nobrega, J S David, Fernando Leite PereiraAbstract:Abstract The rainfall intercepted by an isolated Olive tree was measured in a traditional Olive-Grove/ pasture system with a sparse canopy cover. Results from a two-year period of observations are presented. The data are then used to test models of the interception process in this type of agricultural system. Modelling was performed at the single tree level using the sparse-forest version of the Gash analytical model combined with two other methodologies: the wet bulb approach, to estimate the evaporation rate from the wet canopies of individual Olive trees, and a newly developed procedure to estimate the canopy structure parameters. Good model performance was achieved at the storm level with model simulations within 1.5% of the observed value, clearly within the expected error of interception loss measurements.
