Effects of alternative cropping systems on globe artichoke qualitative traits

BACKGROUND Traditionally, globe artichoke cultivation in the Mediterranean basin is based on monoculture and on use of high amounts of nitrogen fertilizer. This raises issues regarding its compatibility with sustainable agriculture. We studied the effect of one typical conventional (CONV) and two alternative cropping systems [globe artichoke in sequence with French bean (NCV1), or in biannual rotation (NCV2) with cauliflower and with a leguminous cover crop in inter-row spaces] on yield, polyphenol and mineral content of globe artichoke heads over two consecutive growing seasons. RESULTS NCV2 showed statistical differences in terms of fresh product yield with respect to the monoculture systems. In addition, the dihydroxycinnamic acids and dicaffeoylquinic acids of non-conventional samples were 1-fold significantly higher than conventional one. All the samples reported good mineral content, although NCV2 achieved a higher Fe content than conventional throughout the two seasons. After 2 and 3 dates of sampling, the CONV samples showed the highest levels of K content. CONCLUSION In our study, an acceptable commercial yield and quality of ‘Spinoso sardo’ were achieved by shifting the common conventional agronomic management to a more sustainable ones, by means of an accurate choice of cover crop species and rotations introduced in the systems.