Crop diversification in the Mediterranean: associations and crop rotations

NATAE Practice abstract n. 1: Diversity. Working Package 7. A NATAE practice abstract is a summary that describes an agroecological practice that can be used as a valuable resource by farmers, researchers, policy makers, and other stakeholders interested in adopting or promoting agricultural practices that contribute to sustainability, productivity, and competitiveness in the agricultural sector. This document explains how crop diversification contributes to the sustainability and resilience of Mediterranean agricultural systems. It presents key practices such as crop associations, crop rotation, and agroforestry, highlighting their benefits for soil fertility, biodiversity, water use efficiency, and pest control. Crop diversification also supports farmers’ income stability and improves food and nutritional security. Despite challenges such as increased management complexity and higher initial costs, the document emphasizes diversification as a core agroecological principle for adapting agriculture to climate change and environmental constraints in the Mediterranean region.