Work

Intercropping in olive groves

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: NATAE Practice abstract n. 4: Synergies. 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. The document explains intercropping in Mediterranean olive groves as an agroforestry strategy to improve sustainability under climate and soil constraints. It highlights agronomic and environmental benefits such as optimised land use, higher biodiversity, better soil fertility, water retention, weed and erosion control, and reduced input costs. It presents suitable intercrops (food legumes, cereals, fodder plants, aromatic and medicinal herbs) and gives guidelines on spacing, rain-fed management, fertilisation and rotations. It also notes challenges including competition for water and nutrients, higher labour needs, and disease or pest risks from unsuitable companion crops.

Source: Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18596942

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

Language: English

Topic: Agroforestry and silvopastoral systems

Subfield: Forestry

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Life on land, Zero hunger

Open Access status: green

Funder: European Commission

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