Effect of Organic Agriculture and Soil Forming Factors on Soil Quality and Physiology of Olive Trees

Abstract

We studied the soil quality and the response of olive trees (Olea europaea L.) to organic agriculture. Three factors were considered: management (organic and conventional), soil parent material (calcareous colluvium and marl), and slope (upper, middle, and lower). An increase in soil quality was observed in organic plots and colluvial soils. Moreover, we noticed an increase in the assimilation rate of CO2 and lower water deficit in leaves of trees under organic management, which are of great importance in semi-arid environments. These results indicate a relationship between soil quality and physiological responses of olive trees that should be taken into account by agronomists and policymakers.