Environment, agro-system and quality of food production in Italy

Ferro, Nicola Dal; Borin, Maurizio

doi:10.4081/ija.2017.793

Cited by 6 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 16 publications

(20 reference statements)

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“…The motor‐manual firewood harvesting and processing costs are affected by the low efficiency of the system used and the high cost of human labor. The main reason for the diffusion of this traditional system lies in the fact that, on the medium to small farms that typify Italian agriculture (Dal Ferro and Borin, 2017), human labor provided by the landowner is underexploited during winter months when there are few field operations. Therefore, harvesting firewood during winter provides work for laborers and adds to farm income (Coaloa and Facciotto, 2016).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Buffer Strips on the Low‐Lying Plain of Veneto Region (Italy): Environmental Benefits and Efficient Use of Wood as an Energy Resource

et al. 2019

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Vegetated buffer strips (VBS) are recognized as a cost-effective way to reduce agricultural nonpoint-source pollution. In agroecosystems with high field fragmentation, only narrow VBS that partially compromise farmers' revenue are accepted. This study aimed to identify some ecosystem services as provided by VBS in terms of soil and water quality, and VBS performance in terms of wood for energy purposes. Buffer strip design (3 vs. 6 m wide) and composition were considered to define best practices for wood use at the farm level and for the local firewood market. Results showed that yearly wood pole production was 0.5 t 100 m −1 , on average, ranging between a minimum of 0.22 t 100 m −1 and a maximum of 0.72 t 100 m −1 per row. Wood production had negligible effects on farmers' revenue. By contrast, water quality was enhanced, especially with 6-m-wide VBS. Specific subsidies for the maintenance of VBS increased total income despite a reduction in crop production (−17.5% in 6-m VBS with two rows). Subsidies might be better quantified at a site-specific level by taking into account all ecosystem services that are provided by VBS. Promising solutions to increase farmers' income are related to the wood seasoning process for firewood production; reducing the moisture content to <25% before the start of the winter season increases its market value.Abbreviations: 3G, 3-m-wide buffer formed by grass only; 3G1R, 3-m-wide buffer with grass cover and a row of shrubs and trees; 6G1R, 6-m-wide buffer with grass and a row of shrubs and trees; 6G2R, 6-m-wide buffer with grass and two rows of shrubs and trees; RDP, Rural Development Programme; SOC, soil organic carbon; TSS, total suspended solids; VBS, vegetated buffer strip(s).

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Buffer Strips on the Low‐Lying Plain of Veneto Region (Italy): Environmental Benefits and Efficient Use of Wood as an Energy Resource

et al. 2019

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“…Even the most-exploited agricultural areas are home to rich fauna, living in contact with the humanized environments of agroecosystems. Irpinia, akin to so many of Italy's agricultural districts, is increasingly focusing on sustainable, high-quality food products, with agricultural systems that protect biodiversity, ecological quality, and landscape preservation [24].…”

Section: Biodiversitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Geosite Assessment as a Tool for the Promotion and Conservation of Irpinia Landscape Geoheritage (Southern Italy)

2022

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Irpinia (Province of Avellino, Campania Region) is a historical–geographical region of Southern Italy inhabited in pre-Roman times by the ancient Samnite tribe of the Irpini, from which the name originates. This area is characterized by both low population density and high naturalness; located on the axial sector of the southern Apennine orogenic chain, the area possesses a complex hilly and mountainous orography, with predominantly agricultural and forest land uses. In this geographical context, there are many relevant geological/geomorphological sites, witnessing a wide geodiversity attributable to complex geological evolution and relief morphogenesis. The extensive bio-geodiversity has thus led to widespread geotourism practices. Irpinia is favored for its beautiful landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and typical small towns, often enhanced by quality certifications; moreover, geotourism activities are often associated with other forms of sustainable tourism. Starting from this geographical framework, the article analyzes eight attractive geosites that represent the geotouristic value of the entire Irpinia area well. The analysis was conducted using well-known qualitative and quantitative assessment methods. The results obtained, emphasizing the salient aspects of geodiversity, can be used in planning the usability of the sites and, more generally, planning for the Irpinian landscape in a geo-ecotouristic sense.

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“…Technology itself is not sufficient to reduce water consumptions by irrigated agriculture (Perry et al, 2017) Italy is characterized by a wide variation of climatic conditions ranging from temperate to Mediterranean as a result of the interaction of a continental climate (northern and central-northern areas) with that of the Mediterranean basin (centre, south and islands) (Finke et al, 1998). This situation yields seven climatic regions described in Table 1 (Dal Ferro and Borin, 2017). The temperature trend shows increasing values, especially so since the 1990's (Figure 1).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

A wise irrigation to contribute to integrated water resource management

Borin

2024

IJAm

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Irrigated agriculture accounts for about 20% of cultivated lands worldwide while currently generating an estimated 40% of crop production, and two-thirds of future gains in crop production are expected to come from irrigated lands. Therefore, irrigation is strategic to ensure food for the world’s increasing population and slow down the pace of deforestation. Irrigated agriculture also accounts for more than 70% of global water withdrawals, and the way agriculture uses freshwater is crucial for ensuring availability for other activities and preserving water-related ecosystems. To give an agri-environmental interpretation of the water fluxes involved in irrigation, the total amount of water withdrawn from a source is called white water (W) and subdivided as follows: gold water (G) is the amount that is actually used by the crops. This fraction represents the ultimate goal of irrigation, which is to increase crop productivity and food availability. We can also consider this amount as the irrigation water for crops. The gold color means an income for the farm; emerald water (E) is the amount of water withdrawn for irrigation that does not reach the crops but provides ecosystem services, i.e., the benefits that people get from ecosystems. This amount of water is useful for the community and can be identified as irrigation of the territory; red water (R) is losses, i.e., the fraction of water that has to be reduced as much as possible if not eliminated. It is an economic, social and environmental cost; the red color is associated with the red traffic light that means STOP! The quantification of W has to be preceded by a careful evaluation of the benefits achievable with irrigation in relation to the environmental characteristics of the cultivation area. Strategic issues at this stage are the choice between full or deficit irrigation and the individuation of opportunities to exploration of opportunities to increase the availability of water resources by using non-conventional sources. The quantification of G and E fluxes is necessary to reduce losses, while strategies/techniques useful to reduce irrigation needs at the field level are key factors to allocate irrigation water within the framework of an integrated and sustainable management of water aimed at turning user conflicts into synergies. This implies multiple subjects and actors in a multi-disciplinary approach.

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Environment, agro-system and quality of food production in Italy

Cited by 6 publications

References 16 publications

Buffer Strips on the Low‐Lying Plain of Veneto Region (Italy): Environmental Benefits and Efficient Use of Wood as an Energy Resource

Buffer Strips on the Low‐Lying Plain of Veneto Region (Italy): Environmental Benefits and Efficient Use of Wood as an Energy Resource

Geosite Assessment as a Tool for the Promotion and Conservation of Irpinia Landscape Geoheritage (Southern Italy)

A wise irrigation to contribute to integrated water resource management

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