Hijos de Rivera Chair at the University of A Coruña reports on a Syntropic Agriculture project
The Hijos de Rivera Chair at the University of A Coruña (UDC), in collaboration with the Sustainable Foundation of Galicia, announced the results of a sustainable development initiative focused on soil recovery through syntropic agriculture. The project takes place on a farm in A Laracha, near the Montemaior neighbourhood, where the land previously affected by intensive eucalyptus cultivation is being tested for its potential to yield food suitable for consumption while restoring soil health.
Over the four years the activity has been underway, the foundation has recorded notable regional outcomes. Crops such as potatoes, wheat, barley, and wild berries have been successfully grown on the eucalyptus farm. The director of the Sustainable Galicia Foundation noted that the farm began under challenging conditions, with the site described as having “blackberries and weeds” that required substantial clearing to enable seeding and growth.
Central to the project is the concept of syntropy, which aims to support natural balance in ecosystems. The team explored multiple crops on the plantation floor to supply varying micronutrients and even used organic matter from eucalyptus trees as compost to nourish the soil. The approach started with meadow species planted alongside the trees, followed by cereals. Project director Marcos Pérez highlighted the germination of forage peas and the addition of a wider range of vegetables and tubers. Potatoes surprised locals by emerging as one of the standout results.
The mayor of A Laracha, José Manuel López Varela, expressed cautious astonishment at the potato yield, even mentioning that he would show the harvest to his father-in-law. Not all experiments were successful, and challenges included a failed crop like Egypt, with some fruits also struggling to adapt due to the high water requirements of eucalyptus trees during the dry season.
Evidence from the field notes a landscape evolving toward resilience, with the evocative image of an eucalyptus field transitioning into a productive agricultural space. The ongoing work demonstrates how careful soil management and crop diversification can coexist with forestry practices, offering a model for similar landscapes seeking food production alongside ecological restoration.
Hijos de Rivera Chair – Ángel Fernández, Director of Sustainable Development at UDC, reflected on the research process: progress is measured not only by success but by what is learned when a result isn’t achieved. The Foundation custodian also commented on soil acidity and the broader environmental implications of tree species on soil chemistry, acknowledging that control over all variables remains limited.
75% of eucalyptus fields appear salvageable for farming
The initiative aims to explore practical applications for these areas in producing food for consumption. Projections from the study indicate that approximately 75 percent of intensive eucalyptus farms could be repurposed for agricultural use. In Galicia, this could affect around 250,000 hectares of land, according to the Sustainable Galicia Foundation’s director.
UDC vice-chancellor Salvador Naya underscored the importance of cross-sector collaboration among people, resources, companies, and institutions, including public universities. He emphasized that while researchers thrive in laboratories, real-world outreach in the A Coruña region is crucial for impactful results.
The overall message centers on collaboration and practical experimentation, with researchers and local communities working side by side to map out a future where forestry and farming can coexist in a balanced, productive system. The project continues to refine methods, learn from each trial, and share insights with the wider regional community and beyond. The public conversation remains focused on sustainable development, soil health, and resilient farming practices that can adapt to changing environmental conditions.
Notes about the environment and agricultural research were previously shared by the involved institutions to illustrate ongoing progress and learning. These communications aim to inform stakeholders about the potential of syntropic approaches in restoring soil quality and promoting food production in challenging landscapes. Citation: Fundación Galicia Sustentable; Hijos de Rivera Chair; University of A Coruña; Sustainable Galicia Foundation.