Recommended practices for the conservation of the Olivar soil

Soil conservation in the olive grove is crucial to prevent erosion, improve soil quality and ensure long-term sustainable production. Some best practices include:

1. Vegetable covers

Spontaneous covers: Allow natural vegetation to grow between the rows of the olive grove.

Sown covers: Sow specific species such as legumes (clover, vetch) or grasses that improve soil structure and provide organic matter.

Advantages: Reduces erosion, improves water infiltration and increases biodiversity.

2. Minimum tillage or no tillage

Reduce agricultural work to avoid alteration of soil structure and loss of organic matter.

Maintain vegetation cover, even if it is necessary to control it mechanically.

3. Terraces or terraces

On steeply sloping land, build terraces to reduce water velocity and prevent erosion.

Combine them with drainage systems that conduct water safely.

4. Efficient water management

Design efficient irrigation systems (such as drip) to avoid excess water that can cause runoff.

Implement ditches or infiltration lines to capture rainwater.

5. Incorporation of organic matter

Apply compost, manure or shredded pruning clippings to enrich the soil, improve moisture retention and encourage microbial activity.

6. Slope control

Plant the olive grove following the contour lines to reduce erosion due to runoff.

Implement plant barriers (hedges, trees) in critical areas.

7. Physical barriers

Use of stones, gabions or similar structures to stop the flow of water in areas of high erosion.

8. Rotation and diversification

If possible, combine the olive grove with other crops or silvopastoral practices that diversify land uses and improve its structure.

9. Soil monitoring and analysis

Carry out periodic analyzes to evaluate soil quality, pH, nutrients and organic matter, adjusting management practices according to the needs detected.

10. Education and training

Promote continuous learning among farmers to implement evidence-based sustainable practices and innovative technologies.

These practices can be adapted according to terrain characteristics and local climatic conditions.