Impacts of agricultural management practices on water cycle, soil erosion and crop yields in a Mediterranean agroecosystem

Sustainable land management in Mediterranean agroecosystems is crucial for preserving soil health, optimizing water use efficiency, and ensuring crop productivity under increasing climate extremes and prolonged drought periods. This study evaluates the effectiveness of agricultural management practices (AMPs) in mitigating soil erosion and improving water dynamics in the Cervaro river basin, a key grain-producing region in southern Italy. The Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT+) was applied to assess the impacts of four AMPs - including no-till farming, filter strips, crop rotation, and grassed waterways - on soil conservation and hydrological processes. This study utilizes high-resolution Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS) to align AMPs with key objectives of the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) instruments, particularly in promoting sustainable farming practices and soil conservation measures. Model validation was conducted using streamflow, remote sensing-based actual evapotranspiration, and field-scale winter durum wheat yield data. Results indicate that integrating no-till farming with filter strips and crop rotation can reduce soil loss by 81 %, enhance topsoil water retention, and increase deep aquifer recharge due to improved percolation. While AMPs led to a slight increase in surface runoff, crop yields remained stable, demonstrating their potential to support agricultural productivity while improving environmental sustainability. These findings highlight the role of targeted AMPs in mitigating soil loss, improving water management, and enhancing agroecosystem resilience in Mediterranean and other semi-arid agricultural regions worldwide. The results also offer science-based guidance for agri-environmental policies, particularly within the framework of CAP greening interventions and broader global sustainability initiatives.