Hijos de Rivera Chair – University of A Coruña (UDC) announced the results of the Sustainable Development project. Syntropic agriculture for soil recovery dedicated to industrial plantation eucalyptus. This is an initiative run by the university together with the Sustainable Foundation of Galicia on a farm in A Laracha (A Coruña). The project carried out on a plot of land near the ‘igrexario’ of the Montemaior neighbourhood, explores the ability of soils weakened by intensive cultivation of eucalyptus to produce food suitable for consumption.
In the four years that the activity continues, The foundation has achieved striking results in the region, such as the successful cultivation of crops such as potatoes, wheat, barley or wild berries. According to the director of Fundación Galicia Sustentable, the farm “with blackberries and weeds” had to be substantially cleared at the start of the project.
From there, they relied on the concept. syntropy: supports the natural balances of nature. To do this, they tested various crops on the floor of the eucalyptus farm to provide different micronutrients. they even used organic matter from eucalyptus trees as compost to nourish the soil.
First of all, it has grown meadow rug next to the trees. then they worked cereals. Project director Marcos Pérez pointed out that they also planted forage peas that managed to germinate. they dared more vegetables and tubers. To the surprise of local residents, potato has grown as the most remarkable product
The mayor of Larachés, José Manuel López Varela, agreed in disbelief that he should take his father-in-law to see the potatoes. However, not all crops were successful. Egypt was one of the experiments they failed to do.. Some fruits also did not adapt well, especially given the water consumption required by eucalyptus trees during the summer months.
Hijos de Rivera Chair – Ángel Fernández, Director of Sustainable Development at UDC, said, “We do research that is successful, and if not, we learn the same thing.” “We haven’t been able to control it yet” soil acidity‘ added the Foundation custodian, referring to the way trees affect the characteristics of the natural environment.
75% of eucalyptus fields are salvageable
The aim of this initiative is to test the applications these areas can have for the production of food for consumption. The study made predictions 75% of intensive eucalyptus farms are salvageable. In Galicia, some 250,000 hectaresAs stated by the director of the Sustainable Galicia Foundation.
UDC’s vice-chancellor Salvador Naya valued the importance of collaboration between “people, assets, companies, institutions, in this case like a public university”. “We have research centers and our researchers focus on their labs, but it is necessary to go out, to the one closest to you. In this case, to the A Coruña region,” he added.
…..
Contact address of the environment department: [email protected]