Plant covers for the conservation management of a dry farmed olive and vine orchards on the arid degraded soils of Central Spain

Abstract

Herein we describe the 8-year results of an ongoing investigation performed in a vine and an olive orchard on the same farm from a perspectiva of conservation management. The main approaches explored were seed bank management, the use of stable, yet managed, plant covers to provide a fertile base, and promoting the self-functioning of the farm by circulating cut hay from the olive crop to the vineyard and by incorporating pruning remnants into the soil. Plant covers not only produce a natural fertilizer but also play an important role in controlling the weeds typical of these two woody crops. Results so far include increased soil organic matter and biological activity, as well as diminished erosión. In addition, we have been able to establish the time trames necessary to initiate a rotation system for the measures adopted, aimed at avoiding competition for water with the crops on behalf of the plant covers.