Effects of different management practices on soil conservation and soil water in a rainfed olive orchard

During years of normal or high rainfall, these covers showed no significant, or scarce, competition with the tree. The management strategy used favored the presence and abundance of spontaneous legumes in the covers including natural vegetation. Soil C and N contents were higher in the plant cover systems. Effects on biochemical soil fertility are starting to emerge, with clear indications of microbial regeneration. This was of greatest intensity in plots with substantial proportions of legumes in the covers. The control of soil erosion achieved by covers comprised of herbaceous species was especially satisfactory.