The Development of Soil Science in Apulia

The history of soil science in Apulia region begins at the Agricultural Station (today CREA—Council for Agricultural Research and Economics) and it continues with the Universities of Bari (mainly) and Foggia. The characteristics of the rural environment and the Mediterranean climate have influenced research in universities and public research institutes. The relationship between soil and agricultural productivity has always been the common subject of studies. In addition, over the years, there has been a growing interest in the preservation of soil fertility and its improvement in agro-environmental conditions hostile to the conservation of organic matter, fertility, and soil biodiversity. At the operational level, the research carried out proposes sustainable soil management solutions for the farms of the region and the updating of the soil map.