Exploiting The Multifunctional Potential Of Belowground Biodiversity In Organic Farming: A Chance For Improving Horticultural Productions.

Summary

A project (EXCALIBUR) has been started aiming to deepen the knowledge on soil biodiversity dynamics and its synergistic effects with prebiotic and probiotic approaches in horticulture. In this context, new multifunctional soil microbial inoculants (bio-inocula) and bio-effectors will be tested on three model crops of economic importance (tomato, apple, strawberry) under different experimental and open-field conditions across Europe. Excalibur plans to develop a comprehensive strategy of soil management improving the effectiveness of biocontrol and biofertilization practices in organic farming also through the development of a Decision Support System (DSS) and tools for monitoring inocula in the soil. Such activities are expected to encourage the adoption of best practices derived from the new strategy by the farmer’s increasing also the awareness on the potential benefits of soil biodiversity maintenance for crops’ performance.