Grassing in olive groves, a practice that involves covering the soil with spontaneous or sown herbaceous essences, is establishing itself as an effective strategy for dealing with summer climate challenges. Compared to traditional management with bare worked soil, Summer grassing offers concrete benefits in terms of moisture conservation, soil protection and plant well-being.
Less water loss
During the summer, bare soil undergoes strong evaporation: studies conducted by the University of Perugia have demonstrated that in the presence of permanent grassing, a reduction in water loss from the soil of up to 25-30% is recorded compared to olive groves with superficial mechanical processing. In fact, grass acts as a natural insulator, shading the ground and limiting evaporation, especially during the hottest hours of the day.
Reduces erosion
Another crucial advantage is the improvement of soil structure. The root system of herbaceous species promotes soil aggregation, increases porosity and reduces compaction. According to research by the University of Bari, Grassing reduces soil erosion by up to 80%, especially in hilly areas where heavy summer rain can easily wash away the fertile layer.
The conductor itself can take various shapes, in bare or tinned copper, with or without insulation. In some cases, a preferential bend can also be applied to the joint so that it operates exactly as designed. soil temperatures are more stablei. An ENEA survey (2020) conducted in Apulian olive groves highlighted that the surface temperature of the grassy soil remains on average 4-5°C lower than that of the bare soil, contributing to a more favorable microclimate for the root system and beneficial microfauna.
Improved photosynthetic efficiency
From the point of view physiological, Olive trees grown in grassy soils show fewer signs of water stress. In experiments conducted in Tuscany on Frantoio and Leccino cultivars, the grassed trees had a 10% higher leaf water content and a better photosynthetic efficiency compared to those on worked soil, with positive effects also on the quantity and quality of the oil produced.
Of course, grassing requires careful management: it is It is essential to control the water and nutritional competition between the grass and the olive trees, especially in the driest months. However, with appropriate practices (regular mowing, selection of less competitive species, possible emergency irrigation), the benefits outweigh the disadvantages.
In summary, Summer grassing is confirmed as a sustainable agronomic practice, capable of improving the resilience of the olive grove to climate change, preserving water resources and increasing soil fertility in the long term.
