Una proposta di gestione sostenibile dell'oliveto: una analisi economica, energetica ed ambientale

The traditional management of extensive olive groves in semi-arid hilly areas within Matera Province is characterized by a marked alternation of production. The objective of this research was to develop, on an experimental basis, an alternative management system by introducing more intensive and conservative agricultural practices. This alternative management should be sustainable in terms of profitability and productivity as well as from the energy and the environmental point of view. The results of nine years (2000-2008) of comparison between the traditional system and the experimental one demonstrate a clear superiority of the latter in economic and productivity terms compared with an increased energy consumption and environmental impact, if data are referred to the unit surface (one hectare). The normalization of the environmental impacts with respect to one kg of product, however, re-evaluates the sustainability of the experimental system, particularly in relation to the amount of CO2eq emitted into the atmosphere