Eco-Physiological and Growth Behavior of Two Italian Olive Cultivars Under Two Soil Management Practices

Conservative Agriculture (CA) encompasses various agronomic practices aiming at enhancing the sustainability of agricultural systems. In terms of soil management, CA involves strategies such as cover crops, zero and minimum tillage, intercropping, and different mulching systems. This study, conducted over three years (2021, 2022 and 2023), was focused on agroecological practices in a young organic olive orchard in the Mediterranean area. The experiment involved two Sicilian double-aptitude olive cultivars, “Nocellara del Belice” and “Nocellara Etnea,” planted in blocks with two soil management strategies: “Tillage” and “Zero Tillage.” Physiological assessments were conducted on olive leaves, encompassing measurements of stem water potential, leaf gas exchange, and fluorescence. Tree morphological characteristics were examined, including trunk cross-sectional area, plant growth, and canopy volume. The analysis of physiological parameters highlighted the importance of the year and of the day, with climate change having a significant impact on tree well-being. Differences have emerged between cultivars, while concerning soil management, the main parameters differentiate water potential, resulting in less negative effects under Zero Tillage practice. The trees maintained moderate water stress levels during the summer seasons. This research contributes valuable insights into the potential benefits of agroecological practices in olive orchards, emphasizing their role in sustainable agriculture.