Preliminary results on the effects of regenerative practices on soil properties and weeds in an almond crop

Abstract

The concept of adapting agro-economic practices in order to improve production and environmental conditions transforms our agroecosystems. In recent years, there has been an increased interest in regenerative practices for this purpose. We carried out a study funded by Aland Foundation and the AlVelAl initiative. To achieve this, ALVelAl association gives technical support to farmers, working on the restoration of farmlands using regenerative techniques, organising training workshops that guarantee an open exchange of knowledge between farmers, technicians, and companies. In collaboration with AlVelAl, we explore the suitability of regenerative techniques in semiarid agro ecological systems. We carried out a monitoring project in one almond orchard in Illana (Guadalajara), and coordinated the implementation of regenerative techniques co-designed with the land manager. The aim of the regenerative techniques employed in this project improve the soil fertility and water content. We implemented six techniques: 1) minimum tillage, standard practice for the area (MT); 2) minimum tillage with organic amendments (MT&Compost); 3) minimum tillage with a legume crop as green manure (MT&Leg); 4) minimum tillage with mixed wheat and legume crops as green manure (MT&Mix); 5) minimum tillage with Brachypodium as green manure (MT&Bra) and 6) minimum tillage with wheat as green manure (MT&Ce). The total area of the trial is 5.400 m². We aim to study the impacts of regenerative practices on soil parameters (bulk density and soil moisture) and on weed biomass and leaf area of almond trees. We presents the first results of the project obtained during the campaign 2022-23.