Use of Organic Amendment from Olive and Wine Industry in Agricultural Land: A Review
Summary
Agricultural land is under severe treats as population grows, land degradation remains unabated and climate extremes increased. Globally, olive oil production and a wine industry represents important sector in the economy of Mediterranean countries. These two sectors play an important role on ecosystem stability due to considerable amount of resources used in production while organic wastes remain as threat in ecosystems. Orchards and vineyards land use are susceptible to degradation. The drivers for vineyard and orchards degradation are numerous and they are mostly triggered by human activities. Intensive management enhances soil organic matter loss, structural instability, compaction, surface crust, runoff and soil loss. Tillage and agrochemicals contribute to structural instability and act as drivers for soil erosion and degradation. Therefore, the environmentally friendly use and management of such endangered land are required, which often involves use of organic amendments into soil. The review focuses on the analyses of organic wastes use from olive and wine industry that could be a valuable source for soil improvement. Present paper shows positive aspect of organic waste on soil through increased content of soil organic carbon and nutrients concentrations, water-holding capacity and soil porosity. Olive and wine pomaces enhances soil aggregate stability and water infiltration, while decrease erosion. Olive mulch can be used as mulching material to exert good control over weeds. Overall, organic by-products increase soil quality and can be recommended for investigation at the regional level to assess its suitability for wider application in Mediterranean Croatia.
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