Introduction of alternative crops in the Mediterranean to satisfy EU Green Deal goals. A review

Abstract

Climate change affects the sustainability of farming systems by downgrading soil fertility and diminishing crop yields. Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development Goals aims to achieve key performance indicators to convert effectually currently degraded agroecosystems into smart, climate-resilient, and profitable farming systems. The introduction of alternative crops could equilibrate the negative impact of increased temperatures and water scarcity to ensure sufficient farm profitability. Alternative crops such as quinoa, teff, tritordeum, camelina, nigella, chia, and sweet potato show a high acclimatization potential to various conditions and could be components of novel re-designed agroecosystems, satisfying the goals the EU Green Deal for reduced chemical input use by 2030. In certain occasions, they adapt even better than conventional or traditional crops and could be integrated in crop rotations, demonstrating multiple uses that would benefit farmers. This review aimed to (i) evaluate seven alternative crops based on their potential contribution to climate change mitigation, in compliance with the EU (European Union) Green Deal objectives and the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) of the UN (United Nations), and (ii) examine the factors that would determine their successful integration in the Mediterranean Basin. These limiting factors for crop establishment included (i) soil properties (soil texture, pH value, salinity, and sodicity), (ii) environmental parameters (temperature, altitude, latitude, photoperiod), and (iii) crop performance and dynamics regarding water demands, fertilization needs, light, and heat requirements. All proposed crops were found to be adaptable to the Mediterranean climate characteristics and promising for the implementation of the goals of EU and UN.

The Influence of Fertilization and Plant Density on the Dry Matter Yield and Quality of Black Mustard [Brassica nigra (L.) Koch]: An Alternative Forage Crop

“…The whole-plot factor was two different plant densities (PD1: 46 plants m −2 and PD2: 76 plants m −2 ), and the split-plot factor was four different fertilization types (untreated (Control), urea (U), urea with Nitrification and Urease Inhibitors (U + NI + UI) and seaweed compost (Compost)). The rate of each type of fertilizer used in the current study is the general recommended dose of the corresponding type of fertilizer for black mustard production in clay–loam soils [ 8 , 10 , 32 ]. Specifically, the total applied fertilizer dose for urea fertilizers with and without inhibitors was 140 kg N ha −1 , while the nitrogen application rate for seaweed compost was 50 kg N ha −1 .…”

“…Since black mustard is primarily grown for seed production, there is no information on biomass quality or forage potential. Furthermore, several research studies predict that the effect of climate change will result in large reductions in crop productivity in the Mediterranean region, and a strategy to meet the increasing demand for feed production includes the introduction of alternative crops, such as black mustard, which has beneficial properties with adequate yield and good nutritional value [ 31 , 32 ]. In addition, more research is needed in order to find alternative fertilization options, including slow-release inorganic nitrogen fertilizers or organic fertilizers such as compost, for the nitrogen fertilization of crops.…”

The Role of Alternative Crops in an Upcoming Global Food Crisis: A Concise Review

“…Subsequently, there is no strict classification of a group of crops as ACs ( Table 1 ). As a case in point, teff is regarded as an AC in the Mediterranean Basin [ 27 ], yet as a traditional crop in Ethiopia [ 28 ].…”

“…Several crops rich in micro- and macronutrients have been proposed as ACs ( Table 1 ). The literature also highlights the acclimatization and adaptation potential of some of them under high salinity, drought conditions, water logging, and in soils with low fertility [ 26 , 27 ]. The introduction of ACs to such low-productivity areas could increase food availability.…”

Factors Influencing Italian Consumers’ Willingness to Pay for Eggs Enriched with Omega-3-Fatty Acids

“…Furthermore, camelina oil presents a particular pattern of fatty acids, which allows for different applications of this oil, i.e., animal feeding, aquaculture and veterinary [ 27 ]. On the one hand, a feature of camelina oil is its high share of omega-3 fatty acids [ 28 ]. On the other hand, it is known that the fatty acid composition of the hen egg yolk can be amended through modifications in the nutrition of the animals [ 24 ].…”