Reduced tillage in the Mediterranean

NATAE Practice abstract n. 13: Resilience. 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, focused on reduced tillage in the Mediterranean, highlights its role as a pillar of conservation agriculture. It emphasizes benefits like improved soil structure, reduced erosion, moisture conservation, and enhanced biodiversity. Techniques such as no-till and minimum tillage are discussed, alongside challenges like soil compaction and weed management. The transition to reduced tillage requires farmer training and adapted equipment. The document also showcases practical examples from Tunisia, illustrating the integration of deep-rooted crops like sulla and alfalfa to decompact soil and promote sustainable farming systems.