Impact of Olive Trees on the Microclimatic and Edaphic Environment of the Understorey Durum Wheat in an Alley Orchard of the Mediterranean Area

In the current context of climate change, impact trees in agroforestry systems is expected to mitigate water and heat stresses, particularly semi-arid environments. Within this framework, a two-year trial conducted at INRAE Southern France, dynamics microclimatic parameters edaphic environment durum wheat were investigated under yearly-pruned (AF) never-pruned (AF+) 6-m apart alley olive orchard, comparison with controls full sun. Here it was recorded reduction photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) by 30% 51% AF AF+, respectively, during cycle, together marked wind speed compared (–85% ?99% AF+). A significant buffer effect also highlighted for air temperature, averagely +1.7 °C night ?3.2 daytime moderate shading AF. The positive on soil conservation increased intensity shading, critical stage grain filling, benefits root mycorrhization, NH4+ NO3? abundance arable layer. Despite some environmental modifications being favorable understorey wheat, these not translated into yield improvements, suggesting that severe associated small inter-row evergreen has prevailing effect, requires be managed through appropriate tree pruning.