Identification of Optimal Mechanization Processes for Harvesting Hazelnuts Based on Geospatial Technologies in Sicily (Southern Italy)

Ilaria Zambon, Lavinia Delfanti, Alvaro Marucci, Roberto Bedini, Walter Bessone, Massimo Cecchini and Danilo Monarca
Additional contact information
Ilaria Zambon: Department of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, DAFNE Tuscia University, Via San Camillo de Lellis snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
Lavinia Delfanti: Department of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, DAFNE Tuscia University, Via San Camillo de Lellis snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
Alvaro Marucci: Department of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, DAFNE Tuscia University, Via San Camillo de Lellis snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
Roberto Bedini: Department of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, DAFNE Tuscia University, Via San Camillo de Lellis snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
Walter Bessone: Department of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, DAFNE Tuscia University, Via San Camillo de Lellis snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
Massimo Cecchini: Department of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, DAFNE Tuscia University, Via San Camillo de Lellis snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
Danilo Monarca: Department of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, DAFNE Tuscia University, Via San Camillo de Lellis snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy

Agriculture, 2017, vol. 7, issue 7, 1-14

Abstract: Sicily is a region located in the southern Italy. Its typical Mediterranean landscape is appreciated due to its high biodiversity. Specifically, hazelnut plantations have adapted in a definite area in Sicily (the Nebroidi park) due to specific morphological and climatic characteristics. However, many of these plantations are not used today due to adverse conditions, both to collect hazelnuts and to reach hazel groves. Though a geospatial analysis, the present paper aims to identify which hazelnut contexts can be actively used for agricultural, economic (e.g., introduction of a circular economy) and energetic purposes (to establish a potential agro-energetic district). The examination revealed the most suitable areas giving several criteria (e.g., slope, road system), ensuring an effective cultivation and consequent harvesting of hazelnuts and (ii) providing security for the operators since many of hazelnut plants are placed in very sloped contexts that are difficult to reach by traditional machines. In this sense, this paper also suggests optimal mechanization processes for harvesting hazelnuts in this part of Sicily.

Keywords: hazelnuts; spatial analysis; mechanization processes; precision farming; rural landscape; Sicily (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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