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Dr. Elena Testani
CREA - Consiglio per la Ricerca in Agricoltura e l'Analisi dell'Economia Agraria

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0 Agroecology
0 Organic Farming
0 Allelopathy
0 Ecological weed management
0 N dynamic in the soil-plant system

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Agroecology

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Journal article
Published: 15 May 2021 in Sustainability
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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.

ACS Style

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 Style

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 (10):5532.

Chicago/Turabian Style

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. 2021. "Organic Agroforestry Long-Term Field Experiment Designing Trough Actors’ Knowledge towards Food System Sustainability." Sustainability 13, no. 10: 5532.

Journal article
Published: 16 February 2021 in Microorganisms
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Mycorrhizal symbiosis represents a valuable tool for increasing plant nutrient uptake, affecting system biodiversity, ecosystem services and productivity. Introduction of agroecological service crops (ASCs) in cropping systems may determine changes in weed community, that can affect the development of the mycorrhizal mycelial network in the rhizosphere, favoring or depressing the cash crop mycorrhization. Two no-till Mediterranean organic horticultural systems were considered: one located in central Italy, where organic melon was transplanted on four winter-cereals mulches (rye, spelt, barley, wheat), one located in southern Italy (Sicily), where barley (as catch crop) was intercropped in an organic young orange orchard, with the no tilled, unweeded systems taken as controls. Weed "Supporting Arbuscular Mycorrhiza" (SAM) trait, weed density and biodiversity indexes, mycorrhization of coexistent plants in the field, the external mycelial network on roots were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, crop P uptake, yield and quality were evaluated. We verified that cereals, used as green mulches or intercropped, may drive the weed selection in favor of the SAM species, and promote the mycelial network, thus significantly increasing the mycorrhization, the P uptake, the yield and quality traits of the cash crop. This is a relevant economic factor when introducing sustainable cropping practices and assessing the overall functionality of the agroecosystem.

ACS Style

Alessandra Trinchera; Elena Testani; Giancarlo Roccuzzo; Gabriele Campanelli; Corrado Ciaccia. Agroecological Service Crops Drive Plant Mycorrhization in Organic Horticultural Systems. Microorganisms 2021, 9, 410 .

AMA Style

Alessandra Trinchera, Elena Testani, Giancarlo Roccuzzo, Gabriele Campanelli, Corrado Ciaccia. Agroecological Service Crops Drive Plant Mycorrhization in Organic Horticultural Systems. Microorganisms. 2021; 9 (2):410.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Alessandra Trinchera; Elena Testani; Giancarlo Roccuzzo; Gabriele Campanelli; Corrado Ciaccia. 2021. "Agroecological Service Crops Drive Plant Mycorrhization in Organic Horticultural Systems." Microorganisms 9, no. 2: 410.

Journal article
Published: 28 May 2020 in Plants
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This paper explores the effect of agroecological service crops (ASCs), i.e., crops included in the crop rotation for their ecosystem services, terminated with an in-line tillage roller crimper (ILRC) on weed community composition and their functional traits in comparison to a tilled control without ASC. A two-year study was performed in a long-term experiment with vegetables under organic management. Four different cereal crops were introduced as ASCs. Weed abundance and richness and the functional traits were assessed at three different stages, i.e., before and after ASC termination and before harvest of the following crop, melon. All the ASCs showed strong weed suppression, with few differences between the cereals tested. Weed communities with ASCs had later flowering onset and wider flowering span compared to the control, which positively affects weed dispersal and attraction of beneficial insects. However, weed communities with ASCs had higher values for traits related to competition (specific leaf area, seed weight and more perennials). A trade-off between weed suppression and selection of more competitive weed communities by the introduction of ASCs managed with the ILRC should be evaluated in the long-run. The use of the ILRC alternating with other soil management practices seems the more effective strategy to benefit from the minimal soil tillage while avoiding the selection of disservice-related traits in the weed community.

ACS Style

Corrado Ciaccia; Laura Armengot Martinez; Elena Testani; Fabrizio Leteo; Gabriele Campanelli; Alessandra Trinchera. Weed Functional Diversity as Affected by Agroecological Service Crops and No-Till in a Mediterranean Organic Vegetable System. Plants 2020, 9, 1 .

AMA Style

Corrado Ciaccia, Laura Armengot Martinez, Elena Testani, Fabrizio Leteo, Gabriele Campanelli, Alessandra Trinchera. Weed Functional Diversity as Affected by Agroecological Service Crops and No-Till in a Mediterranean Organic Vegetable System. Plants. 2020; 9 (6):1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Corrado Ciaccia; Laura Armengot Martinez; Elena Testani; Fabrizio Leteo; Gabriele Campanelli; Alessandra Trinchera. 2020. "Weed Functional Diversity as Affected by Agroecological Service Crops and No-Till in a Mediterranean Organic Vegetable System." Plants 9, no. 6: 1.

Articles
Published: 18 December 2019 in Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems
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In a two-year experiment, agroecological service crops (ASCs) introduction before organic zucchini and lettuce vs no-ASCs (CT), and two ASCs termination strategies (green manure, GM vs roller crimper, NT) were compared. The objective was to assess the environmental sustainability in a Mediterranean environment. Agronomic performance, energy analysis and carbon footprint were assessed. Although lower zucchini and lettuce yields than GM, the NT strategy was more sustainable than GM and CT, showing energy efficiencyof 0.64, 0.31 and 0.13%, respectively, and showing the highest carbon stored in the soil. NT can reach a good compromise between crop production and impact of agricultural activities.

ACS Style

Mariangela Diacono; Alessandro Persiani; Elena Testani; Francesco Montemurro. Sustainability of agro-ecological practices in organic horticulture: yield, energy-use and carbon footprint. Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems 2019, 44, 726 -746.

AMA Style

Mariangela Diacono, Alessandro Persiani, Elena Testani, Francesco Montemurro. Sustainability of agro-ecological practices in organic horticulture: yield, energy-use and carbon footprint. Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems. 2019; 44 (6):726-746.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Mariangela Diacono; Alessandro Persiani; Elena Testani; Francesco Montemurro. 2019. "Sustainability of agro-ecological practices in organic horticulture: yield, energy-use and carbon footprint." Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems 44, no. 6: 726-746.

Journal article
Published: 13 December 2019 in Sustainability
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Industrial agriculture and its requirement for standardized approaches is driving the world towards a global food system, shrinking the role of farmers and shifting decision-making power. On the contrary, a holistic perspective towards a new food-system design could meet the needs of a larger share of stakeholders. Long-term experiments are crucial in this transition, being the hub of knowledge and the workshop of ‘participation in’ and ‘appropriation of’ the research in agriculture over a long term. We present a methodology applied during the creation of a small network of organic farmers in Italy and detail the steps of the co-innovation process implemented. After a context analysis of the area to define the type of research and degree of participation, three steps were performed: (1) Identification of stakeholders; (2) dialogic identification of common activities; and (3) validation and feedback from participants. In the first participatory step, five organic farms were engaged for the second and third steps. We organized meetings to discuss future plans, facilitating the interaction process between farmers and researchers. These activities led to: (i) the definition of a research protocol based on farmers’ research needs for a new long-term experiment; (ii) committing farmers to take an active role in the research; and (iii) hosting experimental satellite trials in their own farms.

ACS Style

Corrado Ciaccia; Marta Di Pierro; Elena Testani; Giancarlo Roccuzzo; Marcello Cutuli; Danilo Ceccarelli. Participatory Research towards Food System Redesign: Italian Case Study and Perspectives. Sustainability 2019, 11, 7138 .

AMA Style

Corrado Ciaccia, Marta Di Pierro, Elena Testani, Giancarlo Roccuzzo, Marcello Cutuli, Danilo Ceccarelli. Participatory Research towards Food System Redesign: Italian Case Study and Perspectives. Sustainability. 2019; 11 (24):7138.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Corrado Ciaccia; Marta Di Pierro; Elena Testani; Giancarlo Roccuzzo; Marcello Cutuli; Danilo Ceccarelli. 2019. "Participatory Research towards Food System Redesign: Italian Case Study and Perspectives." Sustainability 11, no. 24: 7138.

Articles
Published: 19 November 2019 in Biological Agriculture & Horticulture
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ACS Style

Elena Testani; Francesco Montemurro; Corrado Ciaccia; Mariangela Diacono. Agroecological practices for organic lettuce: effects on yield, nitrogen status and nitrogen utilisation efficiency. Biological Agriculture & Horticulture 2019, 36, 84 -95.

AMA Style

Elena Testani, Francesco Montemurro, Corrado Ciaccia, Mariangela Diacono. Agroecological practices for organic lettuce: effects on yield, nitrogen status and nitrogen utilisation efficiency. Biological Agriculture & Horticulture. 2019; 36 (2):84-95.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Elena Testani; Francesco Montemurro; Corrado Ciaccia; Mariangela Diacono. 2019. "Agroecological practices for organic lettuce: effects on yield, nitrogen status and nitrogen utilisation efficiency." Biological Agriculture & Horticulture 36, no. 2: 84-95.

Journal article
Published: 28 September 2019 in Agronomy
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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.

ACS Style

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 Style

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 (10):594.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Elena 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.

Articles
Published: 23 July 2019 in Biological Agriculture & Horticulture
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In a two-year field experiment undertaken in Central Italy, different agro-ecological service crops (ASCs), terminated by the no-till roller crimper technology before organic melon production (Cucumis melo L.), were evaluated by assessing soil-plant N dynamics, weed management and crop performance, and by comparing with a tilled control without ASC. The ASCs (Poaceae, i.e. rye, barley, wheat, spelt and their mixture), were characterised in terms of aboveground biomass, N uptake, C : N ratio and degradation rate. During the melon growth cycle, soil mineral N (SMN), weed density and biomass were measured and the design of trial included weeded and unweeded plots. The yield and concentrations of soluble solids of the melon was measured. The ASC mulches differed in their N supply capacity and degradation rate. Rye and spelt were the best in terms of weed control, with approximately 80% lower weed density and weed biomass for either rye or spelt compared with the control. Wheat was the least effective against weeds, but it enhanced SMN. Melon yields were similar in plots with spelt and rye, weeded and unweeded treatments, but were reduced in the unweeded control (−58.5%) and barley treatment (−41.2%), compared with the respective weeded treatments. The low melon yield in the plots with rye suggested a negative allelopathic rye-melon interaction. The results highlighted that the ASCs were able to regulate, to different extents, the agro-ecosystem interactions.

ACS Style

Gabriele Campanelli; Elena Testani; Stefano Canali; Corrado Ciaccia; Fabrizio Leteo; Alessandra Trinchera. Effects of cereals as agro-ecological service crops and no-till on organic melon, weeds and N dynamics. Biological Agriculture & Horticulture 2019, 35, 275 -287.

AMA Style

Gabriele Campanelli, Elena Testani, Stefano Canali, Corrado Ciaccia, Fabrizio Leteo, Alessandra Trinchera. Effects of cereals as agro-ecological service crops and no-till on organic melon, weeds and N dynamics. Biological Agriculture & Horticulture. 2019; 35 (4):275-287.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Gabriele Campanelli; Elena Testani; Stefano Canali; Corrado Ciaccia; Fabrizio Leteo; Alessandra Trinchera. 2019. "Effects of cereals as agro-ecological service crops and no-till on organic melon, weeds and N dynamics." Biological Agriculture & Horticulture 35, no. 4: 275-287.

Journal article
Published: 12 July 2019 in Sustainability
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The Circular Economy concept implies the re-design of existing production systems in agriculture, by promoting agricultural waste recycling. In an organic zucchini—lettuce rotation, two different agroecological tools were considered: biofertilizer and presence or absence of green manure (GM+ and GM−). In particular, we compared: (i) anaerobic digestate from cattle manure, co-composted with vegetable wastes, with the presence of GM (AD GM+); (ii) olive pomace compost, re-composted, with the presence of GM (OWC GM+); (iii) municipal waste compost with GM (MWC GM+); (iv) municipal waste compost without GM (MWC GM−). These materials were tested with a commercial organic fertilizer without GM (COF GM−) as a positive control. The objectives were: (i) assessing the environmental sustainability of biofertilizers through carbon footprint analysis by greenhouse gas—GHG—emissions; (ii) evaluating the agronomic performance on the vegetable rotation, by energy output assessment. The total carbon emissions of biofertilizers production was 63.9 and 67.0 kg of CO2 eq Mg−1 for AD and OWC, respectively. The co-composting and re-composting processes emitted 31.4 and 8.4 kg CO2 per Mg of compost, respectively. In AD the ventilation phase of composting accounted for 37.2% of total emissions. The total CO2 emission values for the two-crop cycles were the highest in COF GM− and the lowest in OWC GM+, due to different fertilizer sources. On the average of the treatments, the input that induced the highest CO2 emission was irrigation (37.9%). The energy output assessment for zucchini and lettuce highlighted similar performance for all the treatments. Our findings demonstrated the validity of the tested processes to recycle agro-industrial wastes, and the potential of agroecological practices (GM) to mitigate GHG emissions.

ACS Style

Mariangela Diacono; Alessandro Persiani; Elena Testani; Francesco Montemurro; Corrado Ciaccia. Recycling Agricultural Wastes and By-products in Organic Farming: Biofertilizer Production, Yield Performance and Carbon Footprint Analysis. Sustainability 2019, 11, 3824 .

AMA Style

Mariangela Diacono, Alessandro Persiani, Elena Testani, Francesco Montemurro, Corrado Ciaccia. Recycling Agricultural Wastes and By-products in Organic Farming: Biofertilizer Production, Yield Performance and Carbon Footprint Analysis. Sustainability. 2019; 11 (14):3824.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Mariangela Diacono; Alessandro Persiani; Elena Testani; Francesco Montemurro; Corrado Ciaccia. 2019. "Recycling Agricultural Wastes and By-products in Organic Farming: Biofertilizer Production, Yield Performance and Carbon Footprint Analysis." Sustainability 11, no. 14: 3824.

Journal article
Published: 11 July 2019 in Agronomy
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In greenhouses, where intensive systems are widely used for organic production, the differences between “conventionalized” and agroecological approaches are especially evident. Among the agronomic practices, green manure from agroecological service crops (ASCs) and organic amendments represent the main tools for soil fertility management with respect to the substitution of synthetic fertilizer with organic ones (the input substitution approach). Over a two-year organic rotation, we compared a conventionalized system (SB) and two agroecological systems, characterized by ASC introduction combined with the use of manure (AM) and compost (AC) amendments. A system approach was utilized for the comparison assessment. For this purpose, agronomic performance, soil fertility and the density of soil arthropod activity were monitored for the entire rotation. The comprehensive evaluation of the parameters measured provided evidence that clearly differentiated SB from AM and AC. The drivers of discrimination were soil parameters referring to long term fertility and soil arthropod dynamics. The study confirmed the higher productivity of SB but also no positive impact on soil fertility and soil arthropods, as highlighted by AM and AC. Based on the results, a trade-off between productivity and the promotion of long-term ecosystem diversity and functioning is needed for the assessment of systems of organic production.

ACS Style

Corrado Ciaccia; Francesco Giovanni Ceglie; Giovanni Burgio; Suzana Madžarić; Elena Testani; Enrico Muzzi; Giancarlo Mimiola; Fabio Tittarelli. Impact of Agroecological Practices on Greenhouse Vegetable Production: Comparison among Organic Production Systems. Agronomy 2019, 9, 372 .

AMA Style

Corrado Ciaccia, Francesco Giovanni Ceglie, Giovanni Burgio, Suzana Madžarić, Elena Testani, Enrico Muzzi, Giancarlo Mimiola, Fabio Tittarelli. Impact of Agroecological Practices on Greenhouse Vegetable Production: Comparison among Organic Production Systems. Agronomy. 2019; 9 (7):372.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Corrado Ciaccia; Francesco Giovanni Ceglie; Giovanni Burgio; Suzana Madžarić; Elena Testani; Enrico Muzzi; Giancarlo Mimiola; Fabio Tittarelli. 2019. "Impact of Agroecological Practices on Greenhouse Vegetable Production: Comparison among Organic Production Systems." Agronomy 9, no. 7: 372.

Original research
Published: 29 April 2019 in Ecology and Evolution
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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.

ACS Style

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 Style

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 (10):5593-5604.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Alessandra 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.

Journal article
Published: 14 February 2019 in Agronomy
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The integration of Agroecological Service Crops (ASCs) into agroecosystems can provide several ecological services, such as nutrient cycling and disease and weed management. A two-year experiment on an organic orchard was carried out to compare barley (B) and horse bean (HB) ASCs with a control without ASC (Cont) in combination with fertilizers. Their effects on soil fertility and weed- and soil-borne fungi communities were evaluated by direct measurements, visual estimation, and indicators computation. A Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to identify latent patterns and redundancy among variables, whereas a correlation analysis was used to discriminate the compared systems within the PCA matrix. The empirical results of this study put in evidence the correlation among soil, weed, and fungal variables. A slight contribution of fertilizers on the system’s variability was observed, whereas a clear effect of ASCs was highlighted. The systems differed in weed communities, with the lowest density associated to B and the highest to Cont. B showed the highest fungal diversity, with changes in community compared to HB. HB showed a contribution on soil fertility, being associated to organic matter increase and N availability, and evidencing mixed impacts on soil quality and ecosystem functioning. Overall, the above-ground diversity and below-ground community results were inter-correlated.

ACS Style

Corrado Ciaccia; Anna La Torre; Filippo Ferlito; Elena Testani; Valerio Battaglia; Luca Salvati; Giancarlo Roccuzzo. Agroecological Practices and Agrobiodiversity: A Case Study on Organic Orange in Southern Italy. Agronomy 2019, 9, 85 .

AMA Style

Corrado Ciaccia, Anna La Torre, Filippo Ferlito, Elena Testani, Valerio Battaglia, Luca Salvati, Giancarlo Roccuzzo. Agroecological Practices and Agrobiodiversity: A Case Study on Organic Orange in Southern Italy. Agronomy. 2019; 9 (2):85.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Corrado Ciaccia; Anna La Torre; Filippo Ferlito; Elena Testani; Valerio Battaglia; Luca Salvati; Giancarlo Roccuzzo. 2019. "Agroecological Practices and Agrobiodiversity: A Case Study on Organic Orange in Southern Italy." Agronomy 9, no. 2: 85.

Journal article
Published: 01 July 2018 in Agronomy Journal
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ACS Style

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 Style

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 (4):1482-1491.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Fabio 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.

Journal article
Published: 01 May 2018 in Agricultural Systems
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Organic farming relies, for soil fertility management, on proper rotation designs, Agro-ecological Service Crops (ASCs) and a sound use of on- and off-farm organic inputs. The right combination of soil fertility factors in organic farming is essential to enhance soil organic C (SOC) sequestration. A field trial experiment was overlaid on an long term organic farming experiment, in Monsampolo del Tronto (42° 53′ N, 13° 48′ E) in Central Italy, based on a 4-years rotation, with 6 main crops, and 3 different ASCs. The treatments included: i) the alternative termination of the cover crop (barley) with roller crimper technique compared to green manure and ii) the application of compost (not applied before) in different doses. The barley managements were: green manure (GMB); flattened (FB) by the use of a roller crimper; no barley (NB) as control. The compost (Cp) doses were: 0, 15 and 30 Mg C ha−1 to study the effect on soil C dynamics of compost application and ASCs termination techniques. The historic and experiment results were used as input to run a soil C dynamics model (RothC10N) to predict the effect of the factors different combinations in a medium term (20 years). After two years from compost application, the SOC stock increased in all plots, by +1.8, +2.3 and +4.9 Mg C ha−1 for Cp0, Cp15 and Cp30 respectively, compared to the initial stock of 36.8 Mg ha−1. The effect of different ASCs termination and ASC × compost interaction was not statistically significant. The RothC10N model was used to predict the effect of ASCs (NoASCs, FB and GMB) and Cp doses in a 20 years period. Predictions of the calibrated and validated RothC10N model showed that SOC change in 20 years was negative in the scenario with no ASCs-no compost (NoASC Cp0), where the C inputs were not sufficient to offset C losses, whereas positive values were predicted for all the other scenarios. The average values of predicted C stock change in 20 years were 3.8, 13.3 and 19.8 Mg C ha−1 for NoASC, FB, and GMB respectively and 8.2. 12.2 and 16.5 Mg C ha−1. for Cp0, Cp15 and Cp30. Both field experiment and model showed that the green manure of ASC and compost application represent a valid option in terms of carbon sequestration increase. RothC10N model can be used successfully as a tool to compare the C sequestration potential of alternative agronomic practices.

ACS Style

Roberta Farina; Elena Testani; Gabriele Campanelli; Fabrizio Leteo; Rosario Napoli; Stefano Canali; Fabio Tittarelli. Potential carbon sequestration in a Mediterranean organic vegetable cropping system. A model approach for evaluating the effects of compost and Agro-ecological Service Crops (ASCs). Agricultural Systems 2018, 162, 239 -248.

AMA Style

Roberta Farina, Elena Testani, Gabriele Campanelli, Fabrizio Leteo, Rosario Napoli, Stefano Canali, Fabio Tittarelli. Potential carbon sequestration in a Mediterranean organic vegetable cropping system. A model approach for evaluating the effects of compost and Agro-ecological Service Crops (ASCs). Agricultural Systems. 2018; 162 ():239-248.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Roberta Farina; Elena Testani; Gabriele Campanelli; Fabrizio Leteo; Rosario Napoli; Stefano Canali; Fabio Tittarelli. 2018. "Potential carbon sequestration in a Mediterranean organic vegetable cropping system. A model approach for evaluating the effects of compost and Agro-ecological Service Crops (ASCs)." Agricultural Systems 162, no. : 239-248.

Evaluation study
Published: 17 April 2018 in Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture
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This research focused on the effect of organic production systems on initial quality and postharvest performances of lamb’s lettuce leaves stored in air or under modified atmosphere at refrigerated temperature. Different strategies of organic soil fertility management were compared under the same environmental conditions: i) a simplified organic production system based on organic commercial fertilizers to recover crop uptake (SB); ii) an organic production system based on organic matter amendment mainly supplied by animal manure (AM), and iii) an organic production system based on organic matter amendment supplied by green waste compost (AC). Fully developed lamb’s lettuce leaves were harvested and then packed into perforated bags (control in AIR) or in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and stored at 4°C. At harvest, the yield of lamb’s lettuce in the AM and AC systems was higher than that in SB. Phenol and dehydroascorbic acid accumulation was observed in the system with the lowest initial supply of organic amendment (SB). Regarding the effect of packaging, AIR conditions maintained the initial quality attributes for a longer period than the MAP, which developed off-odours above the threshold of acceptability at 11 days, irrespective of the production system used. In general, the initial differences among the production systems were minimal during the postharvest storage. As for the tested packaging systems, AIR successfully maintained the initial quality attributes for a longer period than the MAP.

ACS Style

Francesco G Ceglie; Maria Luisa Amodio; Maria Lucia V De Chiara; Suzana Madzaric; Giancarlo Mimiola; Elena Testani; Fabio Tittarelli; Giancarlo Colelli; Mlv. De Chiara; S. Mazdaric. Effect of organic agronomic techniques and packaging on the quality of lamb's lettuce. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture 2018, 98, 4606 -4615.

AMA Style

Francesco G Ceglie, Maria Luisa Amodio, Maria Lucia V De Chiara, Suzana Madzaric, Giancarlo Mimiola, Elena Testani, Fabio Tittarelli, Giancarlo Colelli, Mlv. De Chiara, S. Mazdaric. Effect of organic agronomic techniques and packaging on the quality of lamb's lettuce. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. 2018; 98 (12):4606-4615.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Francesco G Ceglie; Maria Luisa Amodio; Maria Lucia V De Chiara; Suzana Madzaric; Giancarlo Mimiola; Elena Testani; Fabio Tittarelli; Giancarlo Colelli; Mlv. De Chiara; S. Mazdaric. 2018. "Effect of organic agronomic techniques and packaging on the quality of lamb's lettuce." Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture 98, no. 12: 4606-4615.

Journal article
Published: 01 September 2017 in Acta Alimentaria
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ACS Style

E. Testani; V. Giannetti; M. Boccacci Mariani; P. Mannino. Maillard reaction products as markers of the durum wheat pasta manufacturing process: A commodity investigation. Acta Alimentaria 2017, 46, 267 -274.

AMA Style

E. Testani, V. Giannetti, M. Boccacci Mariani, P. Mannino. Maillard reaction products as markers of the durum wheat pasta manufacturing process: A commodity investigation. Acta Alimentaria. 2017; 46 (3):267-274.

Chicago/Turabian Style

E. Testani; V. Giannetti; M. Boccacci Mariani; P. Mannino. 2017. "Maillard reaction products as markers of the durum wheat pasta manufacturing process: A commodity investigation." Acta Alimentaria 46, no. 3: 267-274.

Journal article
Published: 01 September 2017 in Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition
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Stockless systems, where plant and animal production are uncoupled, represent a common condition in Mediterranean areas. In organic systems, soil fertility is mainly managed by green manures, whereas composts of plant origin represent suitable soil conditioners. The low P content of these materials, together with the shortage of animal waste availability, determine potential nutrient depletion overtime and, in calcareous soils, P mining conditions. In a two-year field experiment in Central Italy, the effect of green manure vetch (Vicia villosa) (GM+) was compared with a control left fallow (GM-), combined with P-based fertilizers (F) on organic maize (Zea mays). Yields and N-P dynamics were evaluated by direct measurements, nutrient balance and efficiency index. N balance was higher than in GM+ GM- (+71.8 and -23.6 kg N ha-1, respectively). P enriched compost with RP (rock-phosphate) (EP), showed significant improvement in P use efficiency (meanly +34%) than other treatments (unfertilized control (RP), not P enriched compost (NEP)) and P equilibrium in the short run. On the other hand, P-fertilizers and maize residues soil incorporation determined P surplus in a long perspective (up to +10 kg P ha-1). Results emphasize the possibility of P reintegration in stockless organic systems without animal wastes.

ACS Style

C. Ciaccia; F. Ceglie; F. Tittarelli; Daniele Antichi; Stefano Carlesi; Elena Testani; S. Canali. Green manure and compost effects on N-P dynamics in Mediterranean organic stockless systems. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition 2017, 17, 751 -769.

AMA Style

C. Ciaccia, F. Ceglie, F. Tittarelli, Daniele Antichi, Stefano Carlesi, Elena Testani, S. Canali. Green manure and compost effects on N-P dynamics in Mediterranean organic stockless systems. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition. 2017; 17 (3):751-769.

Chicago/Turabian Style

C. Ciaccia; F. Ceglie; F. Tittarelli; Daniele Antichi; Stefano Carlesi; Elena Testani; S. Canali. 2017. "Green manure and compost effects on N-P dynamics in Mediterranean organic stockless systems." Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition 17, no. 3: 751-769.

Original articles
Published: 05 August 2016 in Compost Science & Utilization
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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.

ACS Style

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 Style

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 (2):1-8.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Elena 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.

Journal article
Published: 01 August 2016 in Acta Horticulturae
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ACS Style

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 Style

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; (1137):11-18.

Chicago/Turabian Style

A. 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.

Journal article
Published: 10 June 2016 in Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems
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The plant root apparatus and the surrounding micro-environment is strongly influenced by specific abiotic and biotic conditions which occur in the plant rhizosphere system. The hypothesis of the reported research was that, in an organically managed horticultural system, the use of living mulch (LM) promotes the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) colonization among neighboring roots, because of the coexistence of different plants roots in confined soil spaces. This effect determines nutrient uptake optimization, although roots belong to different plant species. In the reported 2-yr field experiment (2012–2013), two Italian artichoke cultivars [Cynara cardunculusL. var.scolymus(L.),Jesinocv. andMazzaferratacv.] were intercropped with a LM mixture of plant species and compared with a no LM control. Every year, the effect of LM on artichoke root morphology and AMF colonization was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, in order to assess abiotic and biotic rhizosphere interactions, as affected by artichoke cultivars. Also the artichoke yield, the soil available phosphorus (P) and rhizosphere P were determined. Results showed that the LM did not reduce yield of both the artichoke cultivars, when compared with the no LM ones. Furthermore, LM has: (i) induced structural changes in artichoke roots by proliferation of root hairs resulting in an increase of effective absorbing surface; (ii) promoted the rhizosphere mycorrhizal infection which improved P uptake. The modified rhizosphere interactions were found to be cultivar-dependent, being recorded only inJesinoartichoke.

ACS Style

A. Trinchera; Elena Testani; C. Ciaccia; G. Campanelli; Fabrizio Leteo; S. Canali. Effects induced by living mulch on rhizosphere interactions in organic artichoke: The cultivar's adaptive strategy. Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems 2016, 32, 214 -223.

AMA Style

A. Trinchera, Elena Testani, C. Ciaccia, G. Campanelli, Fabrizio Leteo, S. Canali. Effects induced by living mulch on rhizosphere interactions in organic artichoke: The cultivar's adaptive strategy. Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems. 2016; 32 (3):214-223.

Chicago/Turabian Style

A. Trinchera; Elena Testani; C. Ciaccia; G. Campanelli; Fabrizio Leteo; S. Canali. 2016. "Effects induced by living mulch on rhizosphere interactions in organic artichoke: The cultivar's adaptive strategy." Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems 32, no. 3: 214-223.