Performance of co-designed diversified Mediterranean cropping systems: Hybridizing stakeholders' knowledge and modelling data

• DOI: 10.1016/j.eja.2024.127282
• Publication Date: 2024-07-20T00:01:31Z
• Authors: Louise Blanc; Ferdaous Rezgui; Laure Hossard; Jorge Lampurlanés; Genís Simon-Miquel; Daniel Plaza-Bonilla
• Keywords: Agricultural diversification; Cropping system; Crop Rotation

Mediterranean cropping systems, characterised by continuous cereal cropping, are largely dependent on synthetic inputs, such as N fertilisers. On the other hand, they face difficult pedoclimatic conditions, exacerbated climate change. Diversification is seen a way to increase systems resilience. The aim of this study was co-design diversified based expertise local stakeholders and co-assess their performance, using modelling data. Our case Ebro valley in Spain, area with great potential for diversification, particularly where irrigation available. Two workshops were organized i) define reference system its limitations ii) overcome these iii) systems. Between two workshops, STICS soil-crop model calibrated experimental data, enabling simulate inter-annual (2000–2021) agronomic environmental performance An economic analysis conducted. Stakeholders evaluated all economic, aspects. winter crop fertilisation intensive tillage. four co-designed consisted introducing pea and/or rapeseed every 2 or 4 years, reducing tillage partially replacing locally sourced livestock manure. Simulation results showed that wheat barley grain yields remained stable diversification. Pea lower rotations both introduced compared when each only break over years. At level, protein yield however, energy decreased 20 % crops twice 10 once. Gross margins improved diversification once (12 %), mainly due reduced expenses (-31 while incomes RCS. However, 5 once, introduced. Unexpectedly, deteriorated increased losses through ammonia volatilisation nitrate leaching years following greater availability soil. use pesticides predicted impacts higher presence crops. presented slightly soil organic carbon storage. Overall, approach proved useful identifying strategy including being most efficient. trade-offs associated rotation must be considered order mitigate risks.