Conservation measures and experimental setup
Experimental setup: the activities at watershed level are mainly performed in order to monitor all the processes producing soil degradation and desertification. During the monitoring phase data needed for the current PESERA model and for PESERA improvements will be collected (see Working plan months 13-30 -Activities 5.2.1 WB5 in which CNR is the main involved partner).
- WOCAT reference conservation measure (Qt reference): none
- WOCAT reference implementation approach (Qa reference): none
Expected effects: the watershed scale monitoring and analysis will allow assessing connectivity variation and reduction in connection with SWC at watershed level.
We expect to be able to exemplify positive effects on soil erosion and degradation without depressing production based on existing studies and local (rare) conservation and mitigation initiatives (minimum and zero tillage and the even rarer places where herbaceous cover is maintained in olive orchards during all the years). Furthermore, we will try to show that avoiding non conservative measure as residue burning and fire-cut tillage strip at field border can dramatically reduce the flow connectivity and concentrated water erosion. The sediment delivery ratio to permanent streams can be reduced.
