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Assessing the Presence of a Monoculture: From Definition to Quantification

Author

Listed:
  • Silvio Franco

    (Department of Economics, Engineering, Society and Business Organizations, University of Tuscia, Via del Paradiso 47, 01100 Viterbo, Italy)

  • Barbara Pancino

    (Department of Economics, Engineering, Society and Business Organizations, University of Tuscia, Via del Paradiso 47, 01100 Viterbo, Italy)

  • Angelo Martella

    (Department of Economics, Engineering, Society and Business Organizations, University of Tuscia, Via del Paradiso 47, 01100 Viterbo, Italy)

  • Tommaso De Gregorio

    (Ferrero HCo Hazelnut Company, Korvella-Ferrero, Str. S. Valentino, 01032 Caprarola, Italy)

Abstract

The term monoculture is widely used in the scientific literature concerning the agricultural sector. However, it is very difficult to find a clear and shared definition of this term. This study investigates the concept of monoculture in agricultural areas where high specialization in a specific crop is observed. Therefore, we refer to a territorial-level definition, which associates the idea of monoculture to the prevalent presence of a crop in a region including many farms. The objectives of the paper are: (i) to define indicators capable of verifying the existence of this condition; (ii) to test the ability of such indicators in identifying the effective presence of a monoculture. A set of Italian areas identified as monoculture in the recent literature were selected to carry out a quantitative analysis, assessing different indexes of monoculture. On the basis of the obtained results, such an analysis should help in comparing the monoculture indexes and fostering a discussion on their suitability and descriptive capacities.

Suggested Citation

  • Silvio Franco & Barbara Pancino & Angelo Martella & Tommaso De Gregorio, 2022. "Assessing the Presence of a Monoculture: From Definition to Quantification," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-10, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:12:y:2022:i:9:p:1506-:d:918867
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Elisa Biagetti & Barbara Pancino & Angelo Martella & Ilenia Maria La Porta & Clara Cicatiello & Tommaso De Gregorio & Silvio Franco, 2023. "Is Hazelnut Farming Sustainable? An Analysis in the Specialized Production Area of Viterbo," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-10, July.

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