Work

Crop diversification in the Mediterranean: associations and crop rotations

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: NATAE Practice abstract n. 1: Diversity. Working Package 7. A NATAE practice abstract is a summary that describes an agroecological practice that can be used as a valuable resource by farmers, researchers, policy makers, and other stakeholders interested in adopting or promoting agricultural practices that contribute to sustainability, productivity, and competitiveness in the agricultural sector. This document explains how crop diversification contributes to the sustainability and resilience of Mediterranean agricultural systems. It presents key practices such as crop associations, crop rotation, and agroforestry, highlighting their benefits for soil fertility, biodiversity, water use efficiency, and pest control. Crop diversification also supports farmers’ income stability and improves food and nutritional security. Despite challenges such as increased management complexity and higher initial costs, the document emphasizes diversification as a core agroecological principle for adapting agriculture to climate change and environmental constraints in the Mediterranean region.

Source: Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18595149

Authors: International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas, Institut National Agronomique de Tunisie, Institut Agronomique Méditerranéen de Montpellier

Language: English

Topic: Agronomic Practices and Intercropping Systems

Subfield: Agronomy and Crop Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Life on land

Open Access status: green

Funder: European Commission

Award: Fostering agroecology transition in North Africa through multi-actor, evaluation, and networking