Spanish scientists working in agricultural techniques against desertification
on June 17, 2011
These works are carried out in the municipality of Lorca, with two areas of dry land, of cereals and almond trees.
The experts carrying out measurements of desertification and drought, such as soil erosion and water shortages, as well as the influence of temperature and humidity of the air, the speed and direction of the wind and rainfall in these areas.
Albert Solé-Benet, head scientist of the Experimental Station, explained that the conclusions are provisional because "research is just under the crop yield monitoring".
These studies are advancing in the field of 'irrigation of support', with boquera which is a drain that deflected onto crop fields the water flowing through ravine after rainfall, which increases performance in the production of almonds.
Also has been able to experience is that the 'green manure' contributes to soil nutrients and organic matter, which increases the performance of the tree on the traditional culture.
Scientists also experiment with more techniques, such as the of the 'padding with straw', which consists of a type of mattress that is placed in the soil around the tree to prevent the evaporation of the water and the 'reduced tillage' to decrease the exposure and evaporation of the water.
This study is framed in the international project 'desire' which acts against desertification and soil degradation, initiative where 17 countries participate and in which Spain is represented by the Experimental Station of arid zones.
Eight Mediterranean countries (Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, France, Turkey, Morocco and Tunisia), along with Holland, Belgium, United Kingdom, Russia, China, Botswana, Mexico, Chile and Cape Verde are involved in this project.
