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The implementation of agroecology principles within organic farming research is a crux to redesign sustainable agri-food systems. To govern this transition, the local research demand should be addressed by direct engagement of all stakeholders in the research process. The first step is the involvement of farmers and technicians, with the aim of restoring their decision-making role, switching governance to local scale. The co-design/co-management of Long-Term Experiments (LTEs) can be crucial to govern the above-described transition through networking and participatory activities. In this study, we report the experience of co-designing a new LTE in Southern Italy by local actors and scientists. Through a participatory action research methodology, an LTE was considered as a biophysical component of an agroecological living lab, a public–private environment aimed to design a local food system. The setup of parallel field trials in satellite farms stands for the other biophysical component, whereas the stakeholder platform represents the social one. Through definition of common objectives, a step-by-step process is presented, which highlights the interest of local organic actors to share ideas and perspectives for the territory, pointing out the inclusion of end-users (the consumers) in the process to complete the transition to sustainable food systems.
Corrado Ciaccia; Elena Testani; Angelo Fiore; Ileana Iocola; Marta Di Pierro; Giuseppe Mele; Filippo Ferlito; Marcello Cutuli; Francesco Montemurro; Roberta Farina; Danilo Ceccarelli; Alessandro Persiani; Stefano Canali; Mariangela Diacono. Organic Agroforestry Long-Term Field Experiment Designing Trough Actors’ Knowledge towards Food System Sustainability. Sustainability 2021, 13, 5532 .
AMA StyleCorrado Ciaccia, Elena Testani, Angelo Fiore, Ileana Iocola, Marta Di Pierro, Giuseppe Mele, Filippo Ferlito, Marcello Cutuli, Francesco Montemurro, Roberta Farina, Danilo Ceccarelli, Alessandro Persiani, Stefano Canali, Mariangela Diacono. Organic Agroforestry Long-Term Field Experiment Designing Trough Actors’ Knowledge towards Food System Sustainability. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (10):5532.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCorrado Ciaccia; Elena Testani; Angelo Fiore; Ileana Iocola; Marta Di Pierro; Giuseppe Mele; Filippo Ferlito; Marcello Cutuli; Francesco Montemurro; Roberta Farina; Danilo Ceccarelli; Alessandro Persiani; Stefano Canali; Mariangela Diacono. 2021. "Organic Agroforestry Long-Term Field Experiment Designing Trough Actors’ Knowledge towards Food System Sustainability." Sustainability 13, no. 10: 5532.
The objectives of this paper are to present the dynamic of organic food and farming (OFF) research and innovation, to outline challenges in deploying programs and accessing funding, and to define key actions to foster the development of tailored quality research on organic farming in Italy. The baseline starts from the main outcomes that emerged during the World Café held in the frame of the Salone Internazionale del biologico e del naturale (SANA Expo) in 2018, where the Italian OFF research community met to build a convergence on scope and modus operandi in the research endeavor. These outcomes were examined in the light of the key features of the research and innovation projects funded in Italy in the last 10 years, respectively by the Italian Ministry of Agriculture and the regional administrations through the innovation support instruments in the Rural Development Plan programming periods. In the period 2009–2018, 70 research projects for a total funding of 21.081 million € (<0.1% of the value of the sector) were launched, addressing nine different topic areas. Over a similar period (2007–2019), 53 regional innovation projects addressing organic farming were activated for a total budget of 14.299 million € (<10% of the entire available funding). The implementation of interventions in the research and the innovation areas were often scattered in terms of the topics, disciplines, and types of supply chain/network addressed. The relatively high share of multi/interdisciplinary research and innovation projects as well as the acknowledgement of the multi-actor approach as a fundamental step toward co-research and co-innovation were upshots that emerged from our analysis. The outcomes of this study can be used by competent national and the regional authorities to design their future research and innovation policies and interventions.
Stefano Canali; Daniele Antichi; Simona Cristiano; Mariangela Diacono; Valentina Ferrante; Paola Migliorini; Francesco Riva; Alessandra Trinchera; Raffaele Zanoli; Luca Colombo. Levers and Obstacles of Effective Research and Innovation for Organic Food and Farming in Italy. Agronomy 2020, 10, 1181 .
AMA StyleStefano Canali, Daniele Antichi, Simona Cristiano, Mariangela Diacono, Valentina Ferrante, Paola Migliorini, Francesco Riva, Alessandra Trinchera, Raffaele Zanoli, Luca Colombo. Levers and Obstacles of Effective Research and Innovation for Organic Food and Farming in Italy. Agronomy. 2020; 10 (8):1181.
Chicago/Turabian StyleStefano Canali; Daniele Antichi; Simona Cristiano; Mariangela Diacono; Valentina Ferrante; Paola Migliorini; Francesco Riva; Alessandra Trinchera; Raffaele Zanoli; Luca Colombo. 2020. "Levers and Obstacles of Effective Research and Innovation for Organic Food and Farming in Italy." Agronomy 10, no. 8: 1181.
A key aspect in cover crop management is termination before the cash crop is planted. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of termination methods on ground-dwelling arthropods. The conventional mechanical termination method—i.e., green manuring by means of a disc harrow—was compared to flattening using a roller crimper. Two different crop systems were investigated for two growing seasons; cauliflower was grown in autumn after the termination of a mixture of cowpea, pearl millet, and radish, and tomato was cropped in spring and summer after the termination of a mixture of barley and vetch. Ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae), rove beetles (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae), and spiders (Araneae) were sampled by means of standard pitfall traps throughout the growing season of both cash crops. The roller crimper increased the overall abundance of ground beetles in the first growing season of both cash crops, whereas in the second year, no significant effect could be detected. Rove beetles were more abundant in plots where the cover crops were terminated by the roller crimper. Finally, green manuring increased the abundance of spiders, especially on the first sampling date after cover crop termination. Albeit different taxa showed different responses, the termination of cover crops by a roller crimper generally increased the abundance of ground dwelling arthropods. Given that most of the sampled species were generalist predators, their increased abundance could possibly improve biological control.
Laura DePalo; Giovanni Burgio; Serena Magagnoli; Daniele Sommaggio; Francesco Montemurro; Stefano Canali; Antonio Masetti. Influence of Cover Crop Termination on Ground Dwelling Arthropods in Organic Vegetable Systems. Insects 2020, 11, 445 .
AMA StyleLaura DePalo, Giovanni Burgio, Serena Magagnoli, Daniele Sommaggio, Francesco Montemurro, Stefano Canali, Antonio Masetti. Influence of Cover Crop Termination on Ground Dwelling Arthropods in Organic Vegetable Systems. Insects. 2020; 11 (7):445.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLaura DePalo; Giovanni Burgio; Serena Magagnoli; Daniele Sommaggio; Francesco Montemurro; Stefano Canali; Antonio Masetti. 2020. "Influence of Cover Crop Termination on Ground Dwelling Arthropods in Organic Vegetable Systems." Insects 11, no. 7: 445.
Crop diversification represents a key lever to support the development of sustainable agri-food systems. Knowledge on trade-offs and carry over effects from different crop diversification strategies is essential to inform agricultural stakeholders of potential costs and benefits. This knowledge is limited by existing data and performance measures predominantly focused on single crops, rather than complete rotations. Moreover, sustainability performance indicators are often used for assessment purposes, rather than supporting stakeholder learning and actions. A new set of 32 indicators was developed to address these needs, and used to evaluate the environmental, economic and social sustainability of the diversified agricultural systems highlighted in the case studies, which are often characterized by data availability constraints. This approach was tested in France, Germany and Italy to determine a critical ex-post diagnosis of the existing systems, and for the assessment of ex-ante innovative scenarios. The results will be used to support these case studies in the identification and design of more sustainable agricultural systems. Although the framework is based on feasible and proxy indicators, the assessment outcomes have allowed local actors to reflect on the effects generated by the implemented crop diversification strategies. Key issues include trade-offs occurring between optimizing economic and environmental performance.
Ileana Iocola; Frédérique Angevin; Christian Bockstaller; Rui Catarino; Michael Curran; Antoine Messéan; Christian Schader; Didier Stilmant; Florence Van Stappen; Paul Vanhove; Hauke Ahnemann; Jérémy Berthomier; Luca Colombo; Giovanni Dara Guccione; Emmanuel Mérot; Massimo Palumbo; Nino Virzì; Stefano Canali. An Actor-Oriented Multi-Criteria Assessment Framework to Support a Transition Towards Sustainable Agricultural Systems Based on Crop Diversification. Sustainability 2020, 12, 5434 .
AMA StyleIleana Iocola, Frédérique Angevin, Christian Bockstaller, Rui Catarino, Michael Curran, Antoine Messéan, Christian Schader, Didier Stilmant, Florence Van Stappen, Paul Vanhove, Hauke Ahnemann, Jérémy Berthomier, Luca Colombo, Giovanni Dara Guccione, Emmanuel Mérot, Massimo Palumbo, Nino Virzì, Stefano Canali. An Actor-Oriented Multi-Criteria Assessment Framework to Support a Transition Towards Sustainable Agricultural Systems Based on Crop Diversification. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (13):5434.
Chicago/Turabian StyleIleana Iocola; Frédérique Angevin; Christian Bockstaller; Rui Catarino; Michael Curran; Antoine Messéan; Christian Schader; Didier Stilmant; Florence Van Stappen; Paul Vanhove; Hauke Ahnemann; Jérémy Berthomier; Luca Colombo; Giovanni Dara Guccione; Emmanuel Mérot; Massimo Palumbo; Nino Virzì; Stefano Canali. 2020. "An Actor-Oriented Multi-Criteria Assessment Framework to Support a Transition Towards Sustainable Agricultural Systems Based on Crop Diversification." Sustainability 12, no. 13: 5434.
Weeds can cooperate with the agroecosystem’s functioning by providing ecosystem services. Effective weed management should mitigate negative weed–crop interference, while maintaining a functional and balanced weed community. In a two-year trial, the in-line/roller crimper (RC) was used to terminate an agroecological service crop (ASC; here barley, Hordeum vulgare L.) before organic zucchini (Cucurbita pepo, L.) and compared with green manure (GM) ASC and tilled no-ASC with Mater-Bi mulch on the rows (No_ASC). Zucchini yield, soil N availability, weed density/cover, biomass, and community composition were assessed. Analysis of variance, exploratory statistical analysis, and non-parametric inferential approaches were run, respectively, on agronomic data, species-specific weed frequencies, and Shannon diversity. Zucchini yield was the highest in No_ASC, due to soil N immobilization under high C:N barley residues in GM and RC. Multivariate analysis discriminated RC from tilled systems, outlining a specific ensemble of weed species correlated to Shannon diversity. From zucchini fruit set, RC selectively favored Polygonum aviculare L. and Helminthotheca echioides (L.), reasonably because of their oligotrophy and creeping habit. Their dominance finally caused low RC weed control. Results highlight strong weed selective pressure by the mulch-based no-tillage. Understanding the mechanisms underpinning the impact of soil management practices on weed community can drive towards a tailor-made and more effective weed management.
Elena Testani; Corrado Ciaccia; Gabriele Campanelli; Fabrizio Leteo; Luca Salvati; Stefano Canali. Mulch-Based No-Tillage Effects on Weed Community and Management in an Organic Vegetable System. Agronomy 2019, 9, 594 .
AMA StyleElena Testani, Corrado Ciaccia, Gabriele Campanelli, Fabrizio Leteo, Luca Salvati, Stefano Canali. Mulch-Based No-Tillage Effects on Weed Community and Management in an Organic Vegetable System. Agronomy. 2019; 9 (10):594.
Chicago/Turabian StyleElena Testani; Corrado Ciaccia; Gabriele Campanelli; Fabrizio Leteo; Luca Salvati; Stefano Canali. 2019. "Mulch-Based No-Tillage Effects on Weed Community and Management in an Organic Vegetable System." Agronomy 9, no. 10: 594.
The mycorrhizal fungi are symbiotic organisms able to provide many benefits to crop production by supplying a set of ecosystem functions. A recent ecological approach based on the ability of the fungi community to influence plant-plant interactions by extraradical mycelium development may be applied to diversified, herbaceous agroecosystems. Our hypothesis is that the introduction of a winter cereal cover crop (CC) as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF)-host plant in an organic rotation can boosts the AMF colonization of the other plants, influencing crop-weed interference. In a 4-years organic rotation, the effect of two winter cereal CC, rye and spelt, on weed density and AMF colonization was evaluated. The AMF extraradical mycelium on CC and weeds roots was observed by scanning electron microscopy analysis. By joining data of plant density and mycorrhization, we built the mycorrhizal colonization intensity of the Agroecosystem indicator (MA%). Both the CC were colonized by soil AMF, being the mycorrhizal colonization intensity (M%) affected by environmental conditions. Under CC, the weed density was reduced, due to the increase of the reciprocal competition in favor of CC, which benefited from mycorrhizal colonization and promoted the development of AMF extraradical mycelium. Even though non-host plants, some weed species showed an increased mycorrhizal colonization in presence of CC respect to the control. Under intense rainfall, the MA% was less sensitive to the CC introduction. On the opposite, under highly competitive conditions, both the CC boosted significantly the mycorrhization of coexistent plants in the agroecosystem. The proposed indicator measured the agroecological service provided by the considered CCs in promoting or inhibiting the overall AMF colonization of the studied agroecosystems, as affected by weed selection and growth: It informs about agroecosystem resilience and may be profitably applied to indicate the extent of the linkage of specific crop traits to agroecosystem services, contributing to further develop the functional biodiversity theory.
Alessandra Trinchera; Corrado Ciaccia; Elena Testani; Valentina Baratella; Gabriele Campanelli; Fabrizio Leteo; Stefano Canali. Mycorrhiza-mediated interference between cover crop and weed in organic winter cereal agroecosystems: The mycorrhizal colonization intensity indicator. Ecology and Evolution 2019, 9, 5593 -5604.
AMA StyleAlessandra Trinchera, Corrado Ciaccia, Elena Testani, Valentina Baratella, Gabriele Campanelli, Fabrizio Leteo, Stefano Canali. Mycorrhiza-mediated interference between cover crop and weed in organic winter cereal agroecosystems: The mycorrhizal colonization intensity indicator. Ecology and Evolution. 2019; 9 (10):5593-5604.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlessandra Trinchera; Corrado Ciaccia; Elena Testani; Valentina Baratella; Gabriele Campanelli; Fabrizio Leteo; Stefano Canali. 2019. "Mycorrhiza-mediated interference between cover crop and weed in organic winter cereal agroecosystems: The mycorrhizal colonization intensity indicator." Ecology and Evolution 9, no. 10: 5593-5604.
Green manure and compost-enriched in phosphorus can promote the sustainability of cropping systems by increasing soil fertility over the long term. They can also be used to manage crop/weed interactions, a key element in guaranteeing an appropriate level of satisfactory crop yields. We studied how green manuring with hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth.) and the application of different types of phosphorous-enriched compost affect weed/maize (Zea mays L.) interactions in an organic stockless Mediterranean agroecosystem for two consecutive dry years. Green manure stimulated the expression of maize traits related to a higher competitive ability against weeds, such as early growth, height and leaf area index, while the effect of compost was less clear. Regarding crop/weed competition, both green manuring and a phosphorus-enriched compost application gave a significant advantage to maize. Neither green manure nor compost increased total weed density and biomass compared to the control. Green manuring significantly affected the weed community composition. The relative density of ruderal and competitive-ruderal species (according to Grime's classification) was higher in plots where the green manure was applied. The use of green manure, together with novel composting techniques, significantly affected crop/weed competitive interactions, favoring maize, but also creating favorable conditions for unwanted weed species such as competitive-ruderals. Increasing nitrogen availability in the early growth stages of maize through green manuring can increase crop competitive ability. However, this may not suffice to preserve the system from future weed problems, should potentially detrimental species be selected. Dedicated strategies for the control of emerging weed species may thus be needed.
Stefano Carlesi; Federica Bigongiali; Daniele Antichi; Corrado Ciaccia; Fabio Tittarelli; Stefano Canali; Paolo Bàrberi. Green manure and phosphorus fertilization affect weed community composition and crop/weed competition in organic maize. Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems 2019, 35, 493 -502.
AMA StyleStefano Carlesi, Federica Bigongiali, Daniele Antichi, Corrado Ciaccia, Fabio Tittarelli, Stefano Canali, Paolo Bàrberi. Green manure and phosphorus fertilization affect weed community composition and crop/weed competition in organic maize. Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems. 2019; 35 (5):493-502.
Chicago/Turabian StyleStefano Carlesi; Federica Bigongiali; Daniele Antichi; Corrado Ciaccia; Fabio Tittarelli; Stefano Canali; Paolo Bàrberi. 2019. "Green manure and phosphorus fertilization affect weed community composition and crop/weed competition in organic maize." Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems 35, no. 5: 493-502.
Organic agriculture is perceived as environmentally sustainable, but, under its umbrella, different production systems exist ranging from simplified organic productions to well diversified systems with a full implementation of agro-ecological approaches. Among several developed tools for agriculture sustainability assessment, multi-criteria models are increasingly gaining importance. In this study, we evaluated the use of the multi-criteria DEXi-BIOrt tool, coupled with data from long-term experiments, for the sustainability assessment of different organic vegetable production scenarios. These scenarios were applied in two Italian areas: the Adriatic coast of Marche Region and the Metaponto plan of Basilicata Region. Despite the presence of some critical issues, DEXI-BIOrt proved to be a valid tool for the sustainability evaluation of organic vegetable productions. In both areas, the most sustainable scenarios resulted the well diversified organic systems characterized by proper rotations, inclusion of agro-ecological service crops, cultivation of local and different cultivars, and presence of short supply chain mechanisms. Conversely, the implementation of the simplified organic substitution scenarios does not guarantee a suitable level of sustainability. The findings of this study could support decision makers in the implementation of appropriate measures for enhancing organic production sustainability in the framework of post-2020 Common Agricultural Policy.
Ileana Iocola; Gabriele Campanelli; Mariangela Diacono; Fabrizio Leteo; Francesco Montemurro; Alessandro Persiani; Stefano Canali. Sustainability Assessment of Organic Vegetable Production Using a Qualitative Multi-Attribute Model. Sustainability 2018, 10, 3820 .
AMA StyleIleana Iocola, Gabriele Campanelli, Mariangela Diacono, Fabrizio Leteo, Francesco Montemurro, Alessandro Persiani, Stefano Canali. Sustainability Assessment of Organic Vegetable Production Using a Qualitative Multi-Attribute Model. Sustainability. 2018; 10 (10):3820.
Chicago/Turabian StyleIleana Iocola; Gabriele Campanelli; Mariangela Diacono; Fabrizio Leteo; Francesco Montemurro; Alessandro Persiani; Stefano Canali. 2018. "Sustainability Assessment of Organic Vegetable Production Using a Qualitative Multi-Attribute Model." Sustainability 10, no. 10: 3820.
A 2-year field trial was carried out in a climate change context on organic tomato crop. The objectives were: (1) to study the best synergistic combination of a set of agro-ecological techniques, as potential adaptation strategies in Mediterranean environment [i.e.: soil surface shaping; crop rotations; cover crops introduction (barley, vetch and their mixture); cover crop termination techniques (roller crimper—RC vs green manure—GM) and organic fertilization]; (2) to evaluate the sustainability of these techniques by assessing energetic performance. In both years, the barley-RC and mixture-RC combinations reduced weeds fresh and dry weights. In 2014, the combination of commercial organic fertilizer and vetch gave both the highest tomato marketable and total yields (26.88 and 31.97 t ha−1, respectively). In 2015, these production parameters decreased by 30.7 and 35.4%, respectively compared to 2014, and GM-cover crop produced on average more than twice as much as RC-cover crop. The cover crop termination by RC reduced soil mineral N peak than GM treatment, at full flowering in particular in plots after vetch and in the mixture plots in 2014 and 2015 respectively, thus reducing the potential environmental impact by nitrate leaching. The highest energy consuming input was fertilizers (by 57%). The highest energy efficiency and net energy were found in the vetch-GM combination (with low fertilizer input). The research points out that agronomic practices must be fine-tuned to the specific pedoclimatic condition for an efficient use of energy. Moreover, agronomic input reduction is not only feasible, but also creates environmental benefits.
Mariangela Diacono; Alessandro Persiani; Stefano Canali; Francesco Montemurro. Agronomic performance and sustainability indicators in organic tomato combining different agro-ecological practices. Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems 2018, 112, 101 -117.
AMA StyleMariangela Diacono, Alessandro Persiani, Stefano Canali, Francesco Montemurro. Agronomic performance and sustainability indicators in organic tomato combining different agro-ecological practices. Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems. 2018; 112 (1):101-117.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMariangela Diacono; Alessandro Persiani; Stefano Canali; Francesco Montemurro. 2018. "Agronomic performance and sustainability indicators in organic tomato combining different agro-ecological practices." Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems 112, no. 1: 101-117.
Fabio Tittarelli; Gabriele Campanelli; Fabrizio Leteo; Roberta Farina; Rosario Napoli; Corrado Ciaccia; Stefano Canali; Elena Testani. Mulch Based No-Tillage and Compost Effects on Nitrogen Fertility in Organic Melon. Agronomy Journal 2018, 110, 1482 -1491.
AMA StyleFabio Tittarelli, Gabriele Campanelli, Fabrizio Leteo, Roberta Farina, Rosario Napoli, Corrado Ciaccia, Stefano Canali, Elena Testani. Mulch Based No-Tillage and Compost Effects on Nitrogen Fertility in Organic Melon. Agronomy Journal. 2018; 110 (4):1482-1491.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFabio Tittarelli; Gabriele Campanelli; Fabrizio Leteo; Roberta Farina; Rosario Napoli; Corrado Ciaccia; Stefano Canali; Elena Testani. 2018. "Mulch Based No-Tillage and Compost Effects on Nitrogen Fertility in Organic Melon." Agronomy Journal 110, no. 4: 1482-1491.
In organic horticultural systems, cover crops could provide several ecological services, therefore, they can be defined agroecological service crops (ASCs). The objective of this two-year research was to study the suitability on melon production of different ASC termination strategies, in combination with organic fertilisers application. In a split-block design, the main-plot was the ASC management, comparing: i) green manure, in which the vetch was chopped and plowed into the soil; and ii) roller-crimper (RC), in which the vetch was flattened by a roller-crimper; with iii) fallow control, without vetch. The subplot consisted of offfarm organic inputs: i) commercial humified fertiliser; ii) anaerobic digestate fertiliser; iii) composted municipal solid wastes; which were compared to iv) unfertilised control (N0). At vetch termination, above soil biomass and nitrogen (N) content were determined. At harvesting, crop yield performance and quality, N status and N efficiency were investigated. Also, main soil characteristics were assessed at the end of the trial. Among the ASC managements, the slightly reduced yield in the RC plots particularly in combination with N0 might have been the result of less N supplied by the vetch during the melon cycle. Anyway, no negative effects were observed for yield quality. The use of the RC showed a great potential in enhancing soil fertility. Our study suggests the suitability in organic farming of properly matching management of ASC and fertilisation strategies on melon crop.
Mariangela Diacono; Corrado Ciaccia; Stefano Canali; Angelo Fiore; Francesco Montemurro. Assessment of agro-ecological service crop managements combined with organic fertilisation strategies in organic melon crop. Italian Journal of Agronomy 2018, 172 -182.
AMA StyleMariangela Diacono, Corrado Ciaccia, Stefano Canali, Angelo Fiore, Francesco Montemurro. Assessment of agro-ecological service crop managements combined with organic fertilisation strategies in organic melon crop. Italian Journal of Agronomy. 2018; ():172-182.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMariangela Diacono; Corrado Ciaccia; Stefano Canali; Angelo Fiore; Francesco Montemurro. 2018. "Assessment of agro-ecological service crop managements combined with organic fertilisation strategies in organic melon crop." Italian Journal of Agronomy , no. : 172-182.
University of Maribor Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science and the International Society of Horticulture Sciences (ISHS) with the support of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Slovene Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (MAFF) have the honor to welcome all engaged in research, development, producers, teaching, extension and public services, suppliers of horticulture materials, cooperatives, private sector and stakeholders related to vegetable and potatoes production to attend the 7th South East European (former Balkan) Symposium on vegetables and potatoes. The Symposium is held in Maribor (university city and in 2012 European culture capital) in the north East of Slovenia from where comes the majority of agriculture products including vegetables as along the river Drava several irrigation systems were established. Long tradition of vegetable production for processing industry in the past and for fresh market in the last period, encouraged Slovene Association for integrated vegetable production established in the year 2000, to prepare all procedures for the first vegetable crop with the origin of denomination “Ptujski lük” which was approved on the European level on 2011. Two days of symposium from 20th to 23rd of June 2017 have scientific programme with additional FAO workshop on GAP for Greenhouse Production on small farms in SEE with the presentation of a new manual printed by FAO in 2017, ISHS meeting and special session about possibilities for networking among researchers in the future. Scientific programme is covering topics: Production systems and quality of V&P, Organic V&P production, Short supply chains and other concepts of V&P marketing, Protected cultivation and GAP of greenhouse production on small farms, Biodiversity, Irrigation and plant water relations, Genetic resources and breeding, Potato, Plant protection, General and other topics. On the 22nd of June 2017 a side event for vegetable and potatoes growers, advisors, technical workers and other professional public titled ”Some important facts for improving greenhouse vegetable production” will take place. Under support of FAO and MAFF ten distinguished professionalists will present the most important topics for successful greenhouse vegetable production with the goal to give also Slovene growers and professional public insights in novel research findings and recommendations for improvements. Last day is field trip to growers where different production methods (from biodynamic organic to integrated and soilless, Global GAP) and different marketing strategies (direct selling, CSA, protected origin products, establishing non formal cooperation’s and supplying to big chains) are presented with the aim to exchange ideas and knowledge among participants and growers from Podravje region. We hope that you will have a nice time in Slovenia and enjoy your stay with us – a team from Chair of Organic Agriculture, Field Crops, Vegetable and Ornamental Plants University of Maribor Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science. University of Maribor Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science and the International Society of Horticulture Sciences (ISHS) with the support of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Slovene Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (MAFF) have the honor to welcome all engaged in research, development, producers, teaching, extension and public services, suppliers of horticulture materials, cooperatives, private sector and stakeholders related to vegetable and potatoes production to attend the 7th South East European (former Balkan) Symposium on vegetables and potatoes. The Symposium is held in Maribor (university city and in 2012 European culture capital) in the north East of Slovenia from where comes the majority of agriculture products including vegetables as along the river Drava several irrigation systems were established. Long tradition of vegetable production for processing industry in the past and for fresh market in the last period, encouraged Slovene Association for integrated vegetable production established in the year 2000, to prepare all procedures for the first vegetable crop with the origin of denomination “Ptujski lük” which was approved on the European level on 2011. Two days of symposium from 20th to 23rd of June 2017 have scientific programme with additional FAO workshop on GAP for Greenhouse Production on small farms in SEE with the presentation of a new manual printed by FAO in 2017, ISHS meeting and special session about possibilities for networking among researchers in the future. Scientific programme is covering topics: Production systems and quality of V&P, Organic V&P production, Short supply chains and other concepts of V&P marketing, Protected cultivation and GAP of greenhouse production on small farms, Biodiversity, Irrigation and plant water relations, Genetic resources and breeding, Potato, Plant protection, General and other topics. On the 22nd of June 2017 a side event for vegetable and potatoes growers, advisors, technical workers and other professional public titled ”Some important facts for improving greenhouse vegetable production” will take place. Under support of FAO and MAFF ten distinguished professionalists will present the most important topics for successful greenhouse vegetable production with the goal to give also Slovene growers and professional public insights in novel research findings and recommendations for improvements. Last day is field trip to growers where different production methods (from biodynamic organic to integrated and soilless, Global GAP) and different marketing strategies (direct selling, CSA, protected origin products, establishing non formal cooperation’s and supplying to big chains) are presented with the aim to exchange ideas and knowledge among participants and growers from Podravje region. We hope that you will have a nice time in Slovenia and...
Martina Bavec; Martina Robačer; Franc Bavec; Tjaša Vukmanič; Manfred Jakop; Urška Lisec; Silva Grobelnik Mlakar; Stefano Canali. SoilVeg - Improving soil conservation and resource use in organic cropping systems for vegetable production through introduction and management of Agro-ecological Service Crops. Book Of Abstracts 2017, 1 .
AMA StyleMartina Bavec, Martina Robačer, Franc Bavec, Tjaša Vukmanič, Manfred Jakop, Urška Lisec, Silva Grobelnik Mlakar, Stefano Canali. SoilVeg - Improving soil conservation and resource use in organic cropping systems for vegetable production through introduction and management of Agro-ecological Service Crops. Book Of Abstracts. 2017; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMartina Bavec; Martina Robačer; Franc Bavec; Tjaša Vukmanič; Manfred Jakop; Urška Lisec; Silva Grobelnik Mlakar; Stefano Canali. 2017. "SoilVeg - Improving soil conservation and resource use in organic cropping systems for vegetable production through introduction and management of Agro-ecological Service Crops." Book Of Abstracts , no. : 1.
Adaptation can be a key factor that will shape the future severity of climate change impacts on food production. The objective of this study was to assess the suitability of an agro-ecological approach based on various techniques as potential adaptation strategy in organic horticultural systems. A long-term field experiment was set up in Southern Italy, combining: (i) appropriate soil surface shaping; (ii) cash crop rotation; (iii) agro-ecological service crops (ASC) introduction as living mulch and complementary crops; (iv) tailored organic fertilization; and (v) alternative tillage strategies. In this paper, the first two-year results on cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L.) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) crops, as well as energy consumptions through the Energy Analysis (EA) method are reported. Due to the climatic conditions that occurred, which were characterized by the absence of extreme climatic events (particularly rainfall), it was not possible to verify if the designed experimental device was able to mitigate the impact of climate change, whereas the EA indicated that total energy inputs were lower when ASC are introduced in cropping systems.
Mariangela Diacono; Alessandro Persiani; Angelo Fiore; Francesco Montemurro; Stefano Canali. Agro-Ecology for Potential Adaptation of Horticultural Systems to Climate Change: Agronomic and Energetic Performance Evaluation. Agronomy 2017, 7, 35 .
AMA StyleMariangela Diacono, Alessandro Persiani, Angelo Fiore, Francesco Montemurro, Stefano Canali. Agro-Ecology for Potential Adaptation of Horticultural Systems to Climate Change: Agronomic and Energetic Performance Evaluation. Agronomy. 2017; 7 (2):35.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMariangela Diacono; Alessandro Persiani; Angelo Fiore; Francesco Montemurro; Stefano Canali. 2017. "Agro-Ecology for Potential Adaptation of Horticultural Systems to Climate Change: Agronomic and Energetic Performance Evaluation." Agronomy 7, no. 2: 35.
Over the last several decades, agriculture in industrialized countries experienced a significant intensification as a result of the diffusion of mechanization, the widespread use of genetically improved genotypes, and the large-scale use of off-farm inputs, mainly in the form of fossil fuel energy and synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Under the pressure of the growing agro-industrial sector, which has been oriented to promote models based on large volumes and long-distance supply chains, intensification was accompanied by progressive specialization of farms and cropping systems (Ratnadass et al., 2012). Indeed, the reduction of diversity at the field, farm, and territory level, a result of a low number of crops, the shortening of crop rotations, and a decrease in the number of cultivated genotypes, is becoming evident in many agro-environments in developed countries.
S. Canali; M. Diacono; F. Montemurro; K. Delate. Enhancing multifunctional benefits of living mulch in organic vegetable cropping systems. Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems 2017, 32, 197 -199.
AMA StyleS. Canali, M. Diacono, F. Montemurro, K. Delate. Enhancing multifunctional benefits of living mulch in organic vegetable cropping systems. Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems. 2017; 32 (3):197-199.
Chicago/Turabian StyleS. Canali; M. Diacono; F. Montemurro; K. Delate. 2017. "Enhancing multifunctional benefits of living mulch in organic vegetable cropping systems." Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems 32, no. 3: 197-199.
Agro-ecological service crops (ASC) can increase the vegetation complexity of agroecosystems leading to a positive impact on natural enemies of arthropod pests and on weed control. In this study, two ASC terminations (green manure and roller crimper) and a Mater-Bi-mulched control (MB) were compared in order to describe the effects on pests and beneficial dynamics in an organic vegetable system. The trials were conducted over two consecutive growing seasons in 2014 and 2015. Zucchini were grown as cash crop and barley as ASC. Pests and natural enemies were monitored fortnightly by visual samplings along the whole zucchini-growing season. Zucchini plants showed a faster vegetative growth in MB treatment than in ASC terminations. In both years, MB plots were characterized by higher soil temperature and higher leaf nitrogen concentration resulting in plants more susceptible to Aphis gossypii infestations. In all the experimental plots, natural enemies controlled aphid infestations and no insecticide and sprays were necessary. In conclusion, the tested ASC techniques have been suggested as a tool to mitigate aphid infestation.
Serena Magagnoli; Laura DePalo; Antonio Masetti; Gabriele Campanelli; Stefano Canali; Fabrizio Leteo; Giovanni Burgio. Influence of agro-ecological service crop termination and synthetic biodegradable film covering on Aphis gossypii Glover (Rhynchota: Aphididae) infestation and natural enemy dynamics. Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems 2017, 33, 386 -392.
AMA StyleSerena Magagnoli, Laura DePalo, Antonio Masetti, Gabriele Campanelli, Stefano Canali, Fabrizio Leteo, Giovanni Burgio. Influence of agro-ecological service crop termination and synthetic biodegradable film covering on Aphis gossypii Glover (Rhynchota: Aphididae) infestation and natural enemy dynamics. Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems. 2017; 33 (4):386-392.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSerena Magagnoli; Laura DePalo; Antonio Masetti; Gabriele Campanelli; Stefano Canali; Fabrizio Leteo; Giovanni Burgio. 2017. "Influence of agro-ecological service crop termination and synthetic biodegradable film covering on Aphis gossypii Glover (Rhynchota: Aphididae) infestation and natural enemy dynamics." Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems 33, no. 4: 386-392.
Organic agriculture can and should play an important role in solving future challenges in producing food. The low level of external inputs combined with knowledge on sustainablity minimizes environmental contamination and can help to produce more food for more people without negatively impacting our environment. Organic agriculture not only includes farming as a production practice but it also includes processing, trade and consumption. Nevertheless, Organic agriculture must always evolve to overcome emerging challenges. Science-based knowledge attained through dedicated research is required to strengthen organic food and farming as a means to solve future challenges. In 2010, a global discussion about Organic 3.0 was initiated to address current problems our agri-food systems are facing. Many scientifically and practically proven results are already available to make organic agriculture a strong tool to solve some of these challenges. However, the organic agri-food system has to be developed further to fulfill its potential. The contribution of organic agriculture to help solve current problems linked to food security and environmental quality was discussed during the International Society of Organic Agricultural Research (ISOFAR) Symposium “Organic 3.0 is Innovation with Research”, held September 20–22, 2015, in conjunction with the first ISOFAR International Organic Expo, in Goesan County, Republic of Korea. Some of the world’s most active scientists in organic agriculture attended the symposium. This paper is a result of their discussions and aims to give an overview of research conducted and required to strengthen organic agriculture in its ambitions to overcome agronomic challenges, contribute to food security and protect our common environment.
Gerold Rahmann; M. Reza Ardakani; Paolo Bàrberi; Herwart Boehm; Stefano Canali; Mahesh Chander; Wahyudi David; Lucas Dengel; Jan Willem Erisman; Ana C. Galvis-Martinez; Ulrich Hamm; Johannes Kahl; Ulrich Köpke; Stefan Kühne; S. B. Lee; Anne-Kristin Løes; Jan Hendrik Moos; Daniel Neuhof; Jaakko Tapani Nuutila; Victor Olowe; Rainer Oppermann; Ewa Rembiałkowska; Jim Riddle; Ilse A. Rasmussen; Jessica Shade; Sang Mok Sohn; Mekuria Tadesse; Sonam Tashi; Alan Thatcher; Nazim Uddin; Peter Von Fragstein Und Niemsdorff; Atle Wibe; Maria Wivstad; Wu Wenliang; Raffaele Zanoli. Organic Agriculture 3.0 is innovation with research. Organic Agriculture 2016, 7, 169 -197.
AMA StyleGerold Rahmann, M. Reza Ardakani, Paolo Bàrberi, Herwart Boehm, Stefano Canali, Mahesh Chander, Wahyudi David, Lucas Dengel, Jan Willem Erisman, Ana C. Galvis-Martinez, Ulrich Hamm, Johannes Kahl, Ulrich Köpke, Stefan Kühne, S. B. Lee, Anne-Kristin Løes, Jan Hendrik Moos, Daniel Neuhof, Jaakko Tapani Nuutila, Victor Olowe, Rainer Oppermann, Ewa Rembiałkowska, Jim Riddle, Ilse A. Rasmussen, Jessica Shade, Sang Mok Sohn, Mekuria Tadesse, Sonam Tashi, Alan Thatcher, Nazim Uddin, Peter Von Fragstein Und Niemsdorff, Atle Wibe, Maria Wivstad, Wu Wenliang, Raffaele Zanoli. Organic Agriculture 3.0 is innovation with research. Organic Agriculture. 2016; 7 (3):169-197.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGerold Rahmann; M. Reza Ardakani; Paolo Bàrberi; Herwart Boehm; Stefano Canali; Mahesh Chander; Wahyudi David; Lucas Dengel; Jan Willem Erisman; Ana C. Galvis-Martinez; Ulrich Hamm; Johannes Kahl; Ulrich Köpke; Stefan Kühne; S. B. Lee; Anne-Kristin Løes; Jan Hendrik Moos; Daniel Neuhof; Jaakko Tapani Nuutila; Victor Olowe; Rainer Oppermann; Ewa Rembiałkowska; Jim Riddle; Ilse A. Rasmussen; Jessica Shade; Sang Mok Sohn; Mekuria Tadesse; Sonam Tashi; Alan Thatcher; Nazim Uddin; Peter Von Fragstein Und Niemsdorff; Atle Wibe; Maria Wivstad; Wu Wenliang; Raffaele Zanoli. 2016. "Organic Agriculture 3.0 is innovation with research." Organic Agriculture 7, no. 3: 169-197.
The effects of living mulch (LM) introduction and management strategies on cash crop yield, product quality and energy use were studied in a wide range of European vegetable cropping systems, climatic and soil conditions, as well as species of LM grown as agro-ecological service crops. Nine field experiments were carried out in research stations and commercial farms located in Denmark, Germany, Italy and Slovenia. Farmers’ perception of the feasibility and applicability of the LM technique was also assessed.The results demonstrated that the LM systems with a substitutive design can be effectively implemented in vegetable production if the value of the ecological services (positive externalities) delivered by LM can counterbalance the yield loss due to the cash crop density reduction. The crop density of the system and the length of the period in which the LM and cash crop coexist are oppositely related both for competition and yield. Moreover, if an additive design is used, the LM should be sown several weeks after the cash crop planting. Overall, different cash crop genotypes (i.e., open pollinated/local cultivars in comparison with the hybrids) performed similarly. Use of human labor (HL) and fossil fuel (FF) energy slightly increased in LM systems (7%), and there was a shift in the proportion of FF and human energy consumption. The farmers’ acceptance of the LM techniques was quite high (75% of the interviewed sample), even though their critical considerations about yield quality and quantity need consideration in future research and practical implementation of LM systems.
S. Canali; L. Ortolani; G. Campanelli; M. Robačer; P. Von Fragstein; D. D'oppido; H.L. Kristensen. Yield, product quality and energy use in organic vegetable living mulch cropping systems: research evidence and farmers’ perception. Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems 2016, 32, 200 -213.
AMA StyleS. Canali, L. Ortolani, G. Campanelli, M. Robačer, P. Von Fragstein, D. D'oppido, H.L. Kristensen. Yield, product quality and energy use in organic vegetable living mulch cropping systems: research evidence and farmers’ perception. Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems. 2016; 32 (3):200-213.
Chicago/Turabian StyleS. Canali; L. Ortolani; G. Campanelli; M. Robačer; P. Von Fragstein; D. D'oppido; H.L. Kristensen. 2016. "Yield, product quality and energy use in organic vegetable living mulch cropping systems: research evidence and farmers’ perception." Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems 32, no. 3: 200-213.
In the past decade, the increasing environmental concerns regarding the use of non-renewable resources, such as peat, for growing media production has led to a search for alternative materials as substrate components. Until now, compost represents the most investigated one. Despite the critical aspects related to compost use (i.e., its high pH, salinity, and potential content of toxic elements), partial peat substitution with this material represents an achievable objective. In this study, green compost was evaluated as a component of peat substrates for organic sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) seedling production. Three compost rates (CR) were compared: 0 (peat without compost), 30, and 60% of compost v/v. Two pepper cultivars, one derived from a local (medium-Adriatic) germplasm (L) and a commercial hybrid (H), were tested. Furthermore, organic fertilizers based on hydrolyzed proteins, of animal (A) and vegetal (V) origin, were compared. Substrates were analyzed for characterization (pH, EC, nutrient contents, heavy metals). Seedling performances were evaluated in terms of size, biomass, nutrient uptake, and toxic element contents. Indices able to assess seedling resistance to transplant stress were also calculated. Results showed that CR60 treatment was able to produce seedlings with the same biomass of control. CR30, instead, assured the same chance to resist the transplanting stress of CR0. The performances of fertilizer A were significantly higher than those of fertilizer V. Local germplasm (L) showed the highest resistance to transplant stress, while H was more performing in nitrogen uptake. The risk of seedling contamination by toxic elements resulted negligible.
Elena Testani; Gabriele Campanelli; Fabrizio Leteo; Corrado Ciaccia; Stefano Canali; Fabio Tittarelli. Sweet Pepper ( Capsicum annuum L.) Organic Seedling Production: The Role of Compost, Cultivar, and Protein Hydrolyzate. Compost Science & Utilization 2016, 25, 1 -8.
AMA StyleElena Testani, Gabriele Campanelli, Fabrizio Leteo, Corrado Ciaccia, Stefano Canali, Fabio Tittarelli. Sweet Pepper ( Capsicum annuum L.) Organic Seedling Production: The Role of Compost, Cultivar, and Protein Hydrolyzate. Compost Science & Utilization. 2016; 25 (2):1-8.
Chicago/Turabian StyleElena Testani; Gabriele Campanelli; Fabrizio Leteo; Corrado Ciaccia; Stefano Canali; Fabio Tittarelli. 2016. "Sweet Pepper ( Capsicum annuum L.) Organic Seedling Production: The Role of Compost, Cultivar, and Protein Hydrolyzate." Compost Science & Utilization 25, no. 2: 1-8.
A. Trinchera; E. Testani; C. Ciaccia; G. Campanelli; F. Leteo; S. Canali. Rhizosphere interactions in an organic horticultural cropping system: effect of living mulch on artichoke mycorrhization. Acta Horticulturae 2016, 11 -18.
AMA StyleA. Trinchera, E. Testani, C. Ciaccia, G. Campanelli, F. Leteo, S. Canali. Rhizosphere interactions in an organic horticultural cropping system: effect of living mulch on artichoke mycorrhization. Acta Horticulturae. 2016; (1137):11-18.
Chicago/Turabian StyleA. Trinchera; E. Testani; C. Ciaccia; G. Campanelli; F. Leteo; S. Canali. 2016. "Rhizosphere interactions in an organic horticultural cropping system: effect of living mulch on artichoke mycorrhization." Acta Horticulturae , no. 1137: 11-18.
The effect of a ‘cover crop–vegetable cash crop’ intercropping system on arthropod dynamics and biodiversity, was investigated in four different European countries (Italy, Denmark, Germany, and Slovenia), by means of two-seasonal experiments. The soil arthropod fauna was used to compare the ecosystem services of living mulched systems with sole crop ones. The living mulch (LM) technique did not affect the infestation of cabbage caterpillar Pieris spp., showing no detrimental effect of this technique on this key pest of cabbage. In Denmark, aphid populations were higher in the sole crop system than in the LM system. In Italy, a very high level of larval parasitization was detected and in 1 year the percentage of parasitization was higher in LM (88%) than in sole crop (63%). Overall, the LM positively affected the activity density of Carabid beetles, also increasing diversity and evenness of species (Italy and Slovenia) or activity density of some taxa (Slovenia and Denmark). Our results indicate a general positive influence of LM techniques on arthropods in plant/soil systems, as shown by a high level of soil biodiversity and a general lack of negative effects on the density of canopy pests.
Laura DePalo; G. Burgio; P. Von Fragstein; H.L. Kristensen; M. Bavec; M. Robačer; G. Campanelli; S. Canali. Impact of living mulch on arthropod fauna: analysis of pest and beneficial dynamics on organic cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis) in different European scenarios. Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems 2016, 32, 240 -247.
AMA StyleLaura DePalo, G. Burgio, P. Von Fragstein, H.L. Kristensen, M. Bavec, M. Robačer, G. Campanelli, S. Canali. Impact of living mulch on arthropod fauna: analysis of pest and beneficial dynamics on organic cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis) in different European scenarios. Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems. 2016; 32 (3):240-247.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLaura DePalo; G. Burgio; P. Von Fragstein; H.L. Kristensen; M. Bavec; M. Robačer; G. Campanelli; S. Canali. 2016. "Impact of living mulch on arthropod fauna: analysis of pest and beneficial dynamics on organic cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis) in different European scenarios." Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems 32, no. 3: 240-247.