Improved agroecological use of manure in the Mediterranean and prospects for combining it with biostimulants

NATAE Practice abstract n. 17: Recycling. 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 examines the agroecological use of manure in Mediterranean farming systems and explores its combination with biostimulants. It highlights manure as a key source of organic matter and nutrients, improving soil structure, fertility, and biodiversity while reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers. The document emphasizes composting manure to minimize health and environmental risks and optimize nutrient availability. It also presents emerging research on combining manure with biostimulants to enhance nutrient uptake and crop resilience to stresses such as drought and salinity, while noting that further research is still needed.