Effect of tillage on spontaneous ground cover composition in olive groves: preliminary results

Abstract

The olive grove is a highly important crop in the region of Trás-os-Montes, being the traditional olive grove the main production system. Tillage for weed control is traditionally practiced in the olive groves of this region, however this practice increases soil susceptibility to erosion and can disturb soil biota and their interactions. Knowledge about the effect of this cultural practice on spontaneous vegetation cover in olive groves is scarce. This study aims to elucidate the effects that tillage may have on the diversity and composition of spontaneous ground cover vegetation in traditional olive groves. Preliminary results show that tillage seems to promote increased abundance of species belonging to the families Caryophyllaceae and Poaceae, and to limit the development of the families Asteraceae, Geraniaceae and Polygonaceae. Some of these families, in particular Poaceae and Asteraceae, contain species with recognized roles in attracting auxiliary organisms and are therefore important factors to consider in the sustainable management of this crop.