Cover Management Strategies in Rainfed Olive Groves

A research project (2021–2026) under Horizon Europe assessing cover management, pruning, and soil amendments in rainfed olive groves across northeast Portugal to enhance climate resilience, soil health, and productivity under extreme weather. Key practices include leguminous cover crops, amino acid foliar applications, light annual pruning, mycorrhizal fungi, biochar, zeolites, and organic mulch. Results show improved soil fertility, reduced erosion, increased yields by 10–15%, and enhanced nutrient uptake. The project supports sustainable olive farming in Mediterranean regions facing climate stress, with findings applicable to similar ecosystems.