Optimization of innovative agronomic practices for camelina (Camelina sativa L. Crantz) in the Mediterranean basin

Within the Mediterranean basin, most agricultural systems heavily depend on rainfed crops, particularly cereals, which are grown as the sole crop due to limited options. These systems frequently rely on significant agricultural inputs and are susceptible to fluctuations in production caused by climate change and unforeseen weather events. Introducing new crops can improve crop diversification and fulfil the requirements of various stakeholders in the value chain. Camelina (camelina sativa L. Crantz) can be integrated into agricultural systems in the Mediterranean basin as a novel cash-cover crop. In the first experiment different tillage techniques, sowing dates and nitrogen fertilization rates were tested. The seed yield reached a maximum of 1.16 Mg ha-1. Minimum tillage typically results in increased yields and improved qualitative characteristics. Increasing the application of nitrogen fertilizers generally resulted in a notable rise in seed production. However, it is necessary to confirm whether the expense of the fertilizers is balanced by the extra revenue generated from the increased yield. In the second experiment different PGPR were tested to understand whether their use could increase the performances of camelinaThe results of this trial indicated that under stressful conditions camelina can significantly benefit from the application of PGPR. Finally, camelina was tested in a double cropping system with soybean. After the three-year study, we can conclude that camelina is a promising crop in a double-cropping system with soybean thanks to its short growing cycle that enables to sow soybean in early June. But increasing the yield of both camelina and soybean, seems essential for achieving any chance of development of this double cropping system at a commercial scale.