Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 4 — Narrative / commentaryPeer-reviewed

The impact of regenerative agriculture on the quality and yield of major Mediterranean horticultural crops: Brassicaceae and Solanaceae

Francesc M. Campins-Machado, Nerea Diéguez-Martín, Carlos Luque-Corredera, Marina Pérez-Llorca, Anna Vallverdú-Queralt, Rosa M Lamuela-Raventós, Joan Romanyà, Maria Pérez

Scientia Horticulturae · 2026

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Summary

This narrative review synthesises peer-reviewed evidence (2014–2025) on how regenerative agriculture practices influence the yield, sensory qualities, and bioactive compound profiles of Brassicaceae and Solanaceae crops in Mediterranean open-field systems. The authors found organic amendments, mulching, and cover cropping to be most effective for enhancing both productivity and nutritional quality, particularly in tomato, whilst evidence for crop rotation and reduced tillage effects remains limited. The work addresses a significant gap in the literature by comprehensively examining not just soil fertility outcomes but also final product quality and composition.

UK applicability

The findings are partially applicable to UK horticulture, particularly for protected and outdoor brassica and solanaceous production; however, the focus on Mediterranean basin conditions (climate, soil types, water availability) limits direct transferability. UK growers would need to contextualise recommendations around cooler temperatures, higher rainfall, and different seasonal patterns when implementing these regenerative strategies.

Key measures

Crop yield; bioactive compound concentration; sensory quality attributes; nutrient composition; effects of specific regenerative practices (organic amendments, mulching, cover cropping, crop rotation, reduced tillage)

Outcomes reported

The narrative review assessed how regenerative practices (organic amendments, mulching, cover cropping, crop rotation, reduced tillage) affect yield, sensory traits, and bioactive compounds in Brassicaceae and Solanaceae crops under Mediterranean conditions. Key metrics included productivity, nutritional composition, and sensory quality attributes.

Theme
Farming systems, soils & land use
Subject
Regenerative & agroecological farming
Study type
Narrative Review
Study design
Narrative review
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
Geography
Mediterranean basin
System type
Regenerative systems
DOI
10.1016/j.scienta.2026.114786
Catalogue ID
SNmoy13qt7-hc97ne

Topic tags

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