Benefits of growing potatoes under cover crops in a Mediterranean climate

We evaluated the impact of incorporating cover crops (CC) in commercial potato production, primarily to alleviate the severe soil erosion recorded in Mediterranean climate agriculture. As part of a 3-year study on this subject, we have developed complete agronomic management practices that enable sowing, growing and harvesting potatoes in soil covered with CC. This management scheme includes adjustment of specific management practices and farming machinery. In this paper, we explore the impact of including CC in potato production on runoff and soil erosion, weed suppression, and potato yield and quality. These are evaluated at the environmental, agronomic and economic levels. Our results clearly show that potato production under CC generates no yield reduction or nutrient deficiencies, reduces soil erosion by 95% and reduces runoff by more than 60%. Incorporation of CC in potato-growing practices also results in suppression of weeds (both species and biomass). The direct benefit to the grower from CC adoption is estimated at a 1.3% savings in variable costs of production. The benefit for the grower, along with additional environmental benefits translated to economic public goods calls for public intervention to support the transition from the conventional practices to CC practiced is essential.