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Abstract
Competitiveness of traditional arable crop system of Alentejo region of
Portugal has been questioned for long. Discussion and research on the sustainability
of the system has evolved on two contrasted alternative options for production
technologies to traditional system. On the one hand reduced and no tillage
systems aim to more extensive technical operations reducing costs and maintaining
production, or even to increase it in the long run as soil fertility improves. On the
other hand, input intensification using irrigation, as a complement in the last stage
of crop cycle or always when needed, aimed to increase system production levels.
To evaluate competitiveness and sustainability of arable crop system we evaluated
traditional rotation technology and alternative no tillage and irrigation systems
and analyze their farm economic results as well as their energy efficiency and
environmental impacts. The analysis of the impact of no tillage and irrigation on
arable land production system showed that both alternatives contributed to cost
savings and profit earnings, energy savings and reduced GHG emissions, increasing
physical and economic factor efficiency. Research and technological development
of both options are worthwhile to promote competitiveness and sustainability of
arable crop production systems of the Alentejo region in Portugal.