D6.4 Yearly reports of economic and environmental impact of management practices

The data gathered by the partners were analysed. These data related to the activities (i.e. agronomical interventions) and work (hours) and machinery use (hours) necessary to manage the innovative methods introduced by the project: inter-row management with new leguminous species, row management with introduction of a second cash crop for different purposes, use of locally produced organic fertilizers and installation of temporary nets for plant protection. The costs were calculated on the basis of the data provided by the partners collected from seven trial fields (orchards) on four countries. In conclusion, the results of the analysis pointed out the differences for the potential costs associated to the innovative practices. However, the differences of costs were particularly affected due to the country-specific level of hourly costs. In addition, it should be underlined that in some cases (e.g. with mint, wild strawberry or dwarf clover) the contribution in terms of ecosystem services was not only limited to a modification of the biodiversity, but it affected also other services, particularly in the control of weeds, the provision of nutrients, the improvement of soil physical properties