102 CULTIVAR ANALYSIS AND PROSPECTIVE STUDIES No. 35 Olive groves and olive oil The physico-chemical characterisation of byproducts provides information on their content of organic matter, nutrients and potentially limiting compounds, whilst soil analysis makes it possible to assess soil fertility and the specific needs of the crops. This information is essential for determining appropriate application rates, avoiding nutritional imbalances and minimising the risk of negative impacts, thereby ensuring a more efficient and sustainable use of these materials. Despite these constraints, direct application remains a relevant alternative in certain contexts, particularly when integrated into local surplus management strategies, thereby reducing costs and simplifying operations. Innovation and the bioeconomy In addition to agricultural valorisation solutions, the project explored approaches aimed at utilising bioactive compounds present in olive grove byproducts. Olive pomace and leaves contain significant concentrations of phenolic compounds, known for their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Through adapted extraction processes, it was possible to obtain concentrated fractions of these compounds, which were subsequently used in the development of formulations with potential application as biocides. These results demonstrate the viability of integrating biorefinery principles into the olive sector, promoting the transformation of surpluses into products with high added value. Although these solutions are still at a development stage, they offer significant potential for technology transfer and can contribute to the diversification of economic activities associated with the olive oil sector, strengthening its link to the bioeconomy and innovation. Circularity and sustainability An analysis of the environmental impacts associated with the recovery practices studied revealed generally positive results. Solutions based on composting and soil application did not show significant increases in greenhouse gas emissions and are compatible with sustainable agricultural systems. Furthermore, the local recovery of surplus materials helps to reduce emissions associated with transport and off-site treatment, thereby contributing to a reduction in the carbon footprint of farms. The integration of different waste streams, including livestock by-products, has also enabled the development of symbiotic solutions between activities, promoting a more efficient use of available resources. In this context, the adoption of practices to utilise olive grove surpluses plays a strategic role in promoting the circular economy, contributing to more resilient, efficient and environmentally sustainable agricultural systems. Concluding remarks The results of the INOVCIRCOLIVE project demonstrate that surplus materials from the olive sector can be utilised efficiently, ceasing to be regarded as waste and instead becoming resources with economic and agronomic value. As part of the project, the business partners channelled a significant proportion of their surplus materials into valorisation processes, with particular emphasis on composting. More broadly, a benchmarking study carried out among olive farm holdings showed that, in many cases, the percentage of surplus material sent for composting far exceeds 20 per cent, particularly with regard to olive leaves and branches and olive pomace. Composting thus presents itself as a technically established and easily adoptable solution, already implemented on several farms. The project
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