Soil health problems in olive orchards of Andalusia – how to identify them in the experimental sites of the LL
Soil health is a critical factor in the sustainability and productivity of olive orchards, especially in regions like Andalusia, where olive cultivation is a cornerstone of agriculture. In the context of the Andalusian Living Lab (LL), identifying soil health problems is essential for developing effective, and innovative solutions that can be applied in real-world conditions.
The LL plays a critical role in addressing soil health problems in olive orchards by providing a platform for stakeholders to collaborate. The participatory approach, which emphasizes field visits, co-creation events, and interviews with farmers, ensures that the problems identified are rooted in real-world experiences and are relevant to local farming. Field visits allow for direct observation of soil conditions and enable the collection of data, soil samples (for preliminary physico-chemical lab analyses) and visual assessments of tree health. Co-creation events further enhance this process. By discussing face-to-face with farmers, we have been able to gather valuable insights into the challenges they face and the strategies they employ to manage them. This farmer-driven data collection is crucial for understanding the local context and ensuring that proposed interventions are tailored to the specific needs of each farm. By combining scientific expertise with local knowledge, the LL helps design and test soil management practices that can improve soil health, increase productivity, and ensure the long-term sustainability of olive cultivation in Andalusia.
In summary, identifying soil health issues in the experimental farms of LivingSoiLL has been a comprehensive, participatory process providing insight into the challenges olive growers face in Andalusia and supported the development of locally adapted solutions. Through collaboration, innovation, and the active involvement of farmers, the LL is paving the way for more sustainable and resilient olive orchards in the region.
Healthy Soil to Permanent Crops Living Labs
Ongoing | 2024-2028
- Main funding source
- Horizon Europe (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Geographical location
- Portugal, France, Italy, Poland, Spain, Belgium