ABSTRACT
Soil has manifold functions such as nutrient and organic matter storage and cycling, transformation of potential contaminants, water maintenance etc. Human activities, particularly agricultural practices, have sometimes led to more or less advanced degradation (the loss of organic matter, water and wind erosion, contamination etc.). Soil degradation differs markedly across Europe, mainly due to high variations in climate, soil type, vegetation, topography etc. Severe erosion and other degradation processes are taking place in Mediterranean soils. Soils in many Mediterranean areas are generally characterized by low organic matter content, fertility and productivity and are subject to erosion. Agricultural wastes and particularly olive mill wastes (OMW) may be used for the restoration of degraded soils in arid and semi-arid climates, as well as for the preservation of underground water tables. OMW spreading on soil has been even until now subject to great controversy regarding its fertilization properties and the negative effects due to its acidity, salinity and phenolic compounds. This work provides knowledge on soil degradation processes in Mediterranean region and on the application of OMW on soil properties.
