There has recently been a renewed interest in hemp from the food sector for its contribution to cropping system sustainability and farm economy in semi-arid Mediterranean environments, particularly in organic farming. However, its re-introduction into the Mediterranean environment requires the identification and improvement of cropping practices, particularly in crucial stages such as sowing, harvest and post-harvest.

A BioFruitNet practice abstract. Planting cultivars not adapted to local conditions leads to agronomical difficulties in organic fruit production. Choosing cultivars wellsuited to biotic (e.g., pests and diseases) and abiotic conditions (e.g., chilling requirements (vernalisation), soil type) is a key to sustainable organic apricot production. Adapted varieties make orchard management easier, less reliant on plant protection, and less risky from an economic point of view.

In protected vegetable systems of the Mediterranean area, having bare soil for several weeks in late summer, post cash crop harvest, may induce soil degradation. Providing a soil cover in any period is key to preserve the soil's biological activity and maintain good agronomic conditions (e.g. soil structure) for the following crops.

In protected vegetable systems of the Mediterranean area, rotations are based on a limited number of species and botanical families. In the long term, this favours the development of soil pests and diseases.

The study is published in the journal Insects. Mediterranean environments are especially susceptible to soil erosion and to inappropriate soil management, leading to accelerated soil loss. Sustainable Land Management (SLM) practices (such as reduced tillage, no-tillage, cover crops, etc.,) have the potential to reduce soil, organic carbon (OC), and nutrient losses by erosion. However, the effectivity of these practices is site-dependent and varies under different rainfall conditions.