Abstract
"Ecologically-sustainable orchard systems". The paper addresses issues related with an efficient use of limited resources in orchards during the production cycle. They include water, energy and fertilizers, whose rational use allows a reduction of carbon or water footprints of fruit commodities or a reduction of nutrient-related pollution of water tables and atmosphere. Examples of environmentally-friendly techniques used as alternative to more conventional ones are reported. Reconciling ecological and economic/social aspects of sustainability is considered a pre-requisite for a successful spread of novel management techniques.