VITA-TERRA Operational Group: The role of soil microbiota in olive tree nutrition and health

The expected results of the VITA-TERRA project are broad and encompass both direct benefits for producers and positive environmental impacts.

The following effects are highlighted:

• Improved Crop Productivity and Quality:
• Increased Production: Increase in olive production, as well as in their size and quality.
• Resource Efficiency: Reduction in the use of unnecessary fertilizers and phytosanitary inputs. Soil Recovery and Improvement:
• Microbiota Regeneration: Restoration of soil microbiota, increasing its suppressive and bioactive capacity.
• Reduction of Soil Degradation: Improves soil quality and its ability to resist degradation and erosion. Environmental Benefits:
• Emissions Reduction: Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions related to agriculture.
• Carbon Sequestration: Improving the carbon cycle by enriching soils with beneficial microorganisms.
• Sustainability and Adaptation to Climate Change:
  • Sustainable Water Use: Optimizing irrigation water use through better management of soil water balance.
  • Climate Change Adaptation: Contributing to soil adaptation to climate change through sustainable management practices.
• Economic and Social Impact:
• Local Economy: Strengthening the local economy and small businesses through increased productivity and added product value.
• Rural Sustainability: Promoting sustainable production systems that support the conservation of biodiversity and the health of rural ecosystems.