A Comparative Analysis of Soil Loss Tolerance and Productivity of the Olive Groves in the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) Areas Norte Alentejano (Portugal) and Estepa (Andalusia, Spain)

Abstract

Olive groves are Mediterranean systems that occupy more than 2.5 M ha in Spain and 0.352 M ha in Portugal. Assuming the differences between both countries in terms of olive grove regulation and considering their multifunctionality, it is useful to implement agronomic indices to estimate their sustainability. The Soil Loss Tolerance Index (SLTI) and the Soil Productivity Index (SPI) are two such indices. We calculated both indices in the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) Norte Alentejano (Portugal). The SLTI index was adapted considering specific variables of the analysed olive groves (i.e., SLTIog). The values obtained were compared with those previously estimated for PDO Estepa (Spain). The negative impacts of erosion and the underlying agricultural practices on the sustainability of olive groves became evident, resulting in decreased soil productivity at the regional level. The SLTIog index showed higher values for crops, being a more realistic tool to analyse sustainability. A higher soil loss tolerance was detected for integrated groves in the PDO Norte Alentejano than for PDO Estepa due to the shorter age of olive cultivation in Portugal, with incipient soil impacts. These indices provide information on the degree of soil erosion, allowing farmers and decision-makers to apply practices to maximise the sustainability of olive groves.

Effects on Soil Chemical Properties and Carbon Stock Two Years after Compost Application in a Hedgerow Olive Grove

“…Despite the great expansion of olive groves in Portugal in the last 20 years and its large area of occupation in Spain (more than 0.352 M ha in Portugal and 2.5 M ha in Spain [4]), countries. Although there are some studies about the effects of the use of olive mill wastewater and/or olive mill pomace [5][6][7] on soil, the literature about composting of olive leave and studies about its effect on soils are much more scarce.…”

Effects on Soil Chemical Properties Two Years after Application of Compost in a Hedged Olive Grove

“…Despite the great expansion of olive groves in Portugal in the last 20 years, and its large area of occupation in Spain (more than 0.352 M ha in Portugal and 2.5 M ha in Spain [4]), composting with 2 olive generated products is not a widespread practice in both countries. Although there are some studies about the effects on soil of the use of olive mill wastewater and/or olive mill pomace [5][6][7] literature about composting of olive leaves, and studies about its effect on soils are much more scarce.…”

Impacts of Fertilization on Environmental Quality across a Gradient of Olive Grove Management Systems in Alentejo (Portugal)

“…Spain has an olive-growing area of more than 2.5 M ha with multiple land and agricultural regulations governing these crops, including the Olive Grove Law (Ley del Olivar) and the Andalusian Olive Grove Master Plan (Plan Director del Olivar Andaluz) [4,5]. In Portugal, olive groves are a fast-expanding crop with more than 352,000 ha, and 51% of this area is concentrated in Alentejo [6,7].…”

“…In Portugal, olive groves are crops with a strong potential for multifunctionality, highlighting their economic function, which contributes up to 1.36% of farm income [7]; their social function, as they foster generations of both family and external employment [8]; and their environmental function, as they are reservoirs of agrobiodiversity, constituting Land 2022, 11, 2194 2 of 19 habitats for 17% of the Iberian flora and approximately 25% of the birds and insects [9,10]. Olive groves are therefore considered scientifically as socioecological systems that potentially provide multiple ecosystem services (ES).…”