Intercropping wheat and pea for on-farm pasta production in organic systems

While traditional pasta has become a staple food worldwide, several public health strategies agree that their nutritional qualities could be improved. The quality improvement through the crop diversification has not been sufficiently studied in semi-arid climate and organic production.

Intercropping winter wheat with field pea in organic systems enables to increase the protein content of the cultivated cereal, and so its nutritional quality.

Agronomical practices to reduce the risk of Rosy apple aphid (Dysaphis plantaginea) occurrence in organic fruit production (Biofruitnet Practice Abstract)

Rosy apple aphid causes leaf crumple, hinders shoot development, and leads to deformed, small, unmarketable fruits. Honeydew production also causes the development of saprophytic fungi.

Correct agronomical management such as optimal nitrogen (N) fertilisation, irrigation, pruning, and control of the secondary host of the aphid can reduce the incidence of the pest.

Organic fertilizers in fruit orchards

A BioFruitNet practice abstract. Fertilization of organic fruit orchards strongly relies on authorized external commercial fertilizers leading to nutrient flows from conventional into organic farming systems. The use of alternative fertilizers including legume-based materials and non-contentious external commercial fertilizers, should be based on locally available resourced. An integrated approach is recommended.

Practices to improve soil fertility and nutrient availability in organic fruit orchards

A BioFruitNet practice abstract. Organic fruit orchards are dependent on commercial organic fertilizers derived from intensive conventional animal husbandry. These inputs are contentious and to be phased out. As a solution,  it is possible to develop new fertilization strategies based on farm internal resources (e.g., clover based), plant-based sources (e.g., grain legumes as living mulch in the tree row, cover crops).