Implementation and validation of innovative insect-protection methods to increase environmental sustainability of corn production
The main aim of this project is to increase the sustainability of corn cultivation in Emilia Romagna region, by the development of innovative technologies of insect protection, characterized by low environmental impact, and evaluated by a precise quantification of input reduction
The final results are the following:
1) Transparent biodegradable plastic cover displayed: any reduction in herbicide use; less soil leaching
with subsequent reduction of nitrogen losses; less greenhouse gas production; strong reduction of
environmental impact of irrigation (100%).
2) Fertirrigation: reduction of water in comparison to strategies irrigated by travelling gun irrigation
system (30 mm corresponding to 25% reduction).
3) Black biodegradable plastic cover: same results obtained with the use of the transparent
biodegradable plastic cover, but with a reduction of 100% of herbicides.
4) EPD fertilizer: less environmental impact in comparison with urea (up to 67% of greenhouse gas
reduction), reduction of both non-renewable and renewable resources by 49% to 68% respectively.
Finally, also acidification and eutrophication were reduced of 66%.
The main activities are:
a) Development and validation of technologies for European corn borer control, including a comparative analysis of the ecological sustainability of the different practices;
b) Individuation of sustainable procedures to minimize or avoid the aflatoxin contamination, by means a bio-competition approach based on the use of non-aflatoxigenic strains of Aspergillus flavus;
c) Validation of a monitoring plan on a macro-scale area to prevent wireworms infestation.
The project will be completed with the coordination activity of the Operational Group, and by a dissemination plan program (video, meeting, Web App, guideline).
The expected results of this project is the creation of an innovative decision making model, characterized by high environmental sustainability, in order to implement the organic/integrated production of corn. The main stakeholders are the farmers ( partners) belonging to PROGEO S.C.A. and, more generally, all the farmes which will have the opportunity to acquire the economic expertise and the technical tools to implement an ecologically sustainable maize cultivation by a reduction of chemical inputs. Moreover, positive effects are expected to the whole corn food-chain, by improving the efficiency of production according to the concept of sustainability.
Futher positive effects are expected on the conservation of biodiversity, including insect beneficials, by the reduction of pesticides for European Corn Borer and wireworm control.
Another positive effect on health consumers is also expected. In addition, the corn-feeds obtained without pesticide residues will positively affect the sustainability of the agro-food marked, improving the biodiversity and the quality of the rural landscape.
I risultati del GO DifesaMais
Agricoltura biologica, Emilia-Romagna, I Gruppi Operativi, PEI-AGRI| Titolo/Descrizione | Url | Tipologia |
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