Biodiversity and Sustainable Precision Agriculture in Sannio
Preservation of cereal biodiversity through sustainable precision production processes;
Production of semolina and flour with important nutritional and nutraceutical properties.
- Genetic characterization of cultivars and development of the traceability model;
- Introduction of precision cereal farming models and diffusion of innovative techniques (vertical seeding on semisode);
- Introduction of precision agriculture and soil fertility conservation techniques with cover crops through innovative mechanization;
- Monitoring of production performance and health conditions (Phytopathies);
- Introduction of the most suitable raw material storage and milling techniques to reduce mycotic contamination;
- Molecular evaluation of kernels, flours and semolina;
- Disclosure.
Benevento has about 60,000 hectares of arable land, of which around 36,000 (Istat data 2010) are cultivated with wheat and maize grains. Fortore Beneventano, Alto Tammaro and part of Titerno are among the most suitable territories in the province.
The growing demand for traditional and healthy products and the need to preserve genetic diversity are among the main reasons for the renewed attention towards the historical species and varieties of cereals. In recent years, in fact, interest has grown for the flour and groats of wheat and corn which have represented the main sources of human and animal nutrition in recent centuries. The varieties of wheat and corn considered by us favor the adoption of low or zero impact cultivation models from which the improvement of environmental conditions and the greater healthiness and food safety of the production arise.
This confirms the importance of safeguarding their genetic heritage, in contrast with contemporary agriculture and the advent of genetically improved and / or modified cereals; manipulations that led to an imposing genetic erosion, the reduction of the nutraceutical quality of the products, the diffusion of production processes with a high environmental impact and the fall in grain prices.
Based on these considerations, it is considered appropriate and necessary to reintroduce genotypes that represent the history and cereal specificity of the Samnite production area, also in order to direct the sector towards productions on the one hand that are more responsive to the needs of the consumer. from the links of a market that is no longer profitable and unsustainable for agricultural entrepreneurs.
Development of conservative agronomic practices of the soil resource and cereal biodiversity;
Development of traceability models of the raw material through the identification of molecular markers;
Development of "best pratics" production processes aimed at ensuring low input and easily adopted sustainability.
Development of new cereal storage methods for the reduction of fungal agents and / or other contaminants.
Expected results:
- Production of flours and semolina of high functional and nutritional quality;
- Safeguard and increase of traditional production "cereal biodiversity";
- Implementation of organic farming schemes;
- Creation of strong territorial link chains;
- Development of rapid methods for the traceability of semolina and flour;
- Limitation of plant diseases and elimination of food risks from microbial metabolites dangerous for human health, REG / CE 1881/06 and subsequent;
- Improvement of the environmental condition and restoration with minimal energy inputs of the optimal structural conditions and soil fertility.