Title : Agroecological practices and their effects on ecosystem services in sustainable mediterranean cropping systems
Abstract:
Agroecological practices are increasingly recognized as key strategies to improve the sustainability, resilience, and ecological functioning of cropping systems. In the context of climate variability, soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and increasing pressure on natural resources, the integration of ecological principles into crop management can support productive agriculture while enhancing the delivery of multiple ecosystem services. This presentation will discuss the role of selected agroecological practices, including cover cropping, intercropping, diversified crop rotations, reduced soil disturbance, organic amendments, and integrated nutrient and pest management. These practices can contribute to soil protection, carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling, water regulation, weed suppression, biodiversity conservation, and improved resilience to abiotic and biotic stresses. Cover crops, for instance, may reduce erosion, improve soil organic matter and microbial activity, enhance biological nitrogen fixation when legumes are included, and support weed control through soil cover and competition. Similarly, intercropping and diversified rotations can increase resource-use efficiency, interrupt pest and pathogen cycles, and improve system stability over time. Particular attention will be given to the potential benefits and trade-offs associated with agroecological practices in sustainable cropping systems. Although these approaches can reduce dependence on external inputs and improve ecosystem functioning, their effectiveness depends on species selection, pedoclimatic conditions, management intensity, water availability, and farmers’ objectives. Therefore, agroecological transition should be considered as a context-specific and system-based process rather than the simple adoption of isolated techniques. Overall, agroecological practices represent a promising pathway to reconcile crop productivity with environmental conservation. By enhancing ecosystem services and strengthening the resilience of agroecosystems, they can contribute to the development of more sustainable, low-input, and climate-adapted agricultural systems.
