Novel oilseed crops for cropping systems diversification in Central Italy

The traditional cereal-based systems of the lowland environments of Mediterranean region are subject to progressive degradation and undesirable decrease in their fertility. Diversification through crop rotation could lead to a more sustainable production systems, in accordance also with the greening measures of the new EU CAP (2014–2020). For farmers, it is crucial to find new crops to include in crop rotations. Novel oilseed crops, like linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.), safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.), garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.), camelina (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz) and sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) may represent a valuable alternative, due to their adaptability to marginal soils and to their economic value related to the high quality of the oil, increasingly appreciated by consumers and by the industry . The aim of the present study was to investigate the production potential of winter (garden cress, safflower and linseed) and spring (camelina and sesame) novel oilseed crops at farm level in central Italy in integrated production systems. Results showed that in safflower and linseed, seed, oil and straw yields were significantly influenced by the year of cultivation, while yields of garden cress and camelina were quite stable throughout the study . Significant differences in the oil content were found only for camelina with a significant reduction in 2015. Linseed showed an oil content and yield comparable to sunflower. The oil quality of both crops compared well with market standards, with a content of linoleic >72% and linolenic > 57% in safflower and linseed respectively.The oil of garden cress was characterized by a similar level of oleic and linolenic acid. Camelina showed an interesting oil content and yield, in particular in the first two years of experiments, with a high content of linolenic acid and a medium level of erucic acid. Sesame oil showed a fatty acid composition characterised by high oleic (36.4%) and linoleic acid (46.9%) content that makes this oil nutritionally beneficial.This study underlined the possibility to successfully grow and handle novel oilseed crops in the studied pedoclimatic conditions where they can be included in a rotation scenario with wheat. These oilseed crops showed good adaptability, with quite stable yields over the years and interesting oil content and composition for possible industrial applications. Furthermore, they can contribute to preserve soil fertility and its long-term maintenance by reducing erosion and nutrient losses during the rainy season, and /or by organic carbon sequestration through soil incorporation of crop residues.