News Briefs
Four years after its inception, the Olivares Vivo project in Andalusia continues to yield positive results for the role of a biodiverse ecosystem in traditional groves.
According to the results of a new study published in the Journal of Applied Ecology by researchers from the University of Jaén, maintaining vegetation cover and natural areas in olive groves enhanced the diversity of species and the functions they perform in croplands.
Not only is the loss of species drastic, but also the loss of functionality.- Rubén Tarifa, doctoral student, University of Jaén
“In our study, we found that the diversity of species and the functions they perform in the olive grove were negatively affected by the simplification of the olive grove landscape and the intensive management of the plant covers,” said lead researcher Rubén Tarifa, a doctoral student in the university’s department of animal and plant biology and ecology.
See Also:Intensive Olive Farms Contribute to Desertification in Spain, Experts Warn“The rare species were the most affected in this process,” he added.
According to the study, intensive agricultural practices in olive groves usually cause loss of biodiversity by exerting intense pressure on plants, birds and insects, which are critical for controlling common olive tree pests.
“Not only is the loss of species drastic, but also the loss of functionality,” Tarifa said. “Furthermore, until now, it was unknown whether intensive agricultural practices could be affecting the rarest species, taxonomically and functionally, or on the contrary, those that are more common or dominant.”
“It is known that, in certain communities, rare plants play a very important role within the community, supporting irreplaceable functions within the ecosystem,” he added. “For all these reasons, we proposed this study.”
Just like in previous studies, the researchers found that agricultural intensification depleted vegetation cover with rare plants bearing the brunt of the pressure exerted by these types of farming practices.
Intensification was found to impact plants’ ability to reproduce through recurrent plowing and the use of herbicides. When herbicides are used for prolonged periods, there is a risk of depleting the seeds of certain plants. This leads to those plants being removed from the landscape, even when they are in dormant states.
In other instances, intensification indirectly impacts plants by interfering with animals that are critical for the existence of those plants, such as pollinators. Since rare plants contribute to functional richness disproportionately, their depletion usually compromises the integrity of different ecological processes.
During the study, researchers sampled plant cover from 40 olive groves in the provinces of Málaga, Jaén, Córdoba, Cádiz, Granada and Seville.
The researchers concluded that since weed cover plays an essential role in supporting the fauna of permanent croplands, such as olive groves, and their production, agri-environmental schemes in these croplands should adopt low-intensity practices that favor the functionality and diversity of ecosystems.
More articles on: Andalusia, biodiversity, environment
Oct. 26, 2023
Extremadura Bucks the Trend of Below-Average Harvests in Spain
A steady increase in the number of intensive olive groves in the region may explain the rise in production.
Aug. 31, 2023
Higher Consumption of Polyphenols Linked to Lower Risk of Contracting Covid-19
Healthy adults who consumed phenols and plant sterols, some of which are present in olive oil, were less likely to contract Covid-19.
Jun. 27, 2023
New Zealand Producer Uses Brix Levels to Determine Ideal Harvest Moment
Unlike with grapes or other fruit, Ross Vintiner harvests olives when the sugar level falls, indicating that oil is accumulating and polyphenol content remains high.
Feb. 23, 2024
World Trade Organization Finds U.S. Noncompliant in Table Olive Trade Spat
The WTO ruled that the U.S. must remove tariffs on Spanish table olive imports, while a separate case is pending in the Court of Appeals.
Jan. 15, 2024
Oleocanthal: Behind the Health Benefits of Olive Oil's Famous Phenol
Found solely in extra virgin olive oil, oleocanthal demonstrates potent anti-inflammatory properties and has been linked to beneficial impacts on cancer and dementia.
Feb. 22, 2024
Experts Back Olives in a Hotter, Drier World
Olive farming may play a critical role in the future of agriculture. Researchers have suggestions for doing it right.
Apr. 16, 2024
Award-Winning Catalan Producer Bets on Growing Demand for Arbequina
Two heat-hampered harvests have not deterred the producers behind Gaudea, who are betting that demand for Arbequina extra virgin olive oil will keep growing.
Oct. 3, 2023
Olive Oil Production Seen as Path to Revitalization in Tunisia's Gafsa Region
Phosphate production dominates the local economy, but the local population has not seen the benefits. Expansion of olive growing and oil production may provide a solution.