Sustainable citrus farming through aromatic alley cropping: agronomic and market benefits

To strengthen the positive role of agriculture in ecosystems, Best Management Practices (BMPs) have been developed to enhance sustainability through water conservation, reduced pesticide use, and crop diversification. Among them, alley cropping systems—the deliberate association of annual crops with rows of perennial woody species—have emerged as a promising alternative to intensive monocultures, with the potential to improve both soil health and crop performance.

This study evaluated the agronomic and economic viability of alley cropping applied to lemon cultivation (Citrus × limon, cv. Fino) in the Region of Murcia, Spain. Two complementary approaches were adopted: (i) surveys with farmers and consumers to assess their willingness to support sustainable practices despite potential additional costs, and (ii) a ten-month field experiment comparing two treatments: lemon trees bordered with Mediterranean aromatic plants (Rosmarinus officinalis L. and Lavandula dentata L.) versus a control without aromatics, both using black plastic mulch.

The aromatic alley cropping system significantly improved soil moisture and mineral content, enhanced photosynthesis and vegetative growth, and increased yield. Notably, it advanced the first lemon harvest by one month, enabling earlier access to high-value markets.

In conclusion, integrating aromatic plants into citrus orchards through alley cropping proved to be agronomically beneficial, economically viable, and environmentally sound. Beyond the local context, this strategy represents a scalable approach to foster climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture in Mediterranean and semi-arid regions.