HaloFarMs - Development and Optimization of Halophyte-based Farming systems in salt-affected Mediterranean Soils

The overall objective of HaloFarMs is to develop and optimise sustainable and environmentally friendly new farming and producing systems based on the cultivation of halophytes, able to cope with soil and water salinization and to restore biodiversity.

(i) Optimize crop rotation and intercropping systems using selected halophytes (Salicornia sp., Arthrocnemum sp., and / or Suaeda sp.) And tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L) in soils affected by salt in 4 southern and northern localities. (ii) Reduce soil salinity and improve growth and yield of tomato plants. (iii) Restore biodiversity in salt affected soils (iv) Optimize the in vitro culture conditions of halophytes (v) Characterize the biomass produced by mixed crops: nutritional, medicinal and veterinary properties. (vi) Evaluate the socioeconomic impact at farm levels for the economic relevance of optimised systems adopted by participant farmers