Economic and Environmental Impacts of Digital Technologies in Mediterranean Greenhouse Systems

This thesis analyzes the environmental and economic impacts of adopting digital technologies in Mediterranean greenhouse agriculture, with a focus on the use of a decision support system (DSS) to optimize fertigation and integrated pest management. The system was tested in four commercial greenhouses (Italy, Spain, Tunisia and Turkey) and evaluated through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Life Cycle Costing (LCC) and eco-efficiency analysis. Results show that the adoption of DSS significantly reduces water consumption (by up to 19 percent) and nitrogen fertilizer use (by up to 49 percent), improving environmental sustainability and, in some cases, profitability as well. However, effectiveness varies according to local context and availability of expertise and infrastructure. A systematic literature review identified the main barriers to the adoption of digital technologies, including socio-cultural, technical, economic and institutional barriers. Finally, an analysis of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP 2023-2027) highlights the existence of useful but still partial tools to address these challenges. The findings underscore the need for targeted policies, training, and infrastructure investments to facilitate a sustainable and inclusive digital transition in the agricultural sector.