The introduction of perennial crops in the alleys of rain-fed Mediterranean almond trees reduces the emission of greenhouse gases, according to the latest study by the Diverfarming project.
Researchers from the Polytechnic University of Cartagena (UPCT) and CEBAS – CSIC have evaluated the results of the introduction of perennial crops such as thyme and capers between the alleys of rain-fed almond fields, verifying that these diversified crop systems increase land production and help mitigate climate change by increasing carbon sequestration in the soil.
The possibility of commercializing the introduced crops and the fact that they do not affect the production of the main crop is one of the advantages of diversification, highlight the researchers of the European project Diverfarming. Specifically, and in the case of thyme, up to 7 liters of essential oil per hectare were obtained and no negative effect was caused on almond production.
For two years, researchers have measured carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions, showing that CO2 emissions decrease in diversified systems compared to monoculture. In addition, it was found that emission peaks occurred after plowing on hot days, so it is recommended not to plow during those days.
Read more at Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena
Image: Thyme among almond trees. (Credit: Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena)