Biodiversity is a key issue in agriculture. Practices that favor biodiversity in agricultural ecosystems not only improve the biodiversity of the environment but also increase agricultural production and make it more sustainable. This has a very positive influence on very important agronomic aspects such as crop pollination and pest-predator balance. It is an efficient tool to help adapt to climate change.
However, agricultural activity has put increasing pressure on biodiversity and recent global reports point to agriculture as one of the main causes for its decline.
A sustainable agricultural model requires the adequate use of a vegetative cover as a soil maintenance system.
What are native groundcovers?
It consists of sowing certain seeds of native herbaceous species in the streets of the crop and keeping them alive for a certain period of time and then mowing them to avoid competition for water and nutrients with the crop. After mowing, it can be incorporated into the soil by shallow tillage (applying a superficial harrowing) or left on the surface as a mulch.
The use of cover crops in woody crops has numerous agronomic and environmental benefits.
Benefits of green roofs
Combating erosion
Stopping the loss of fertile soil due to erosion
Reduce water velocity due to runoffs
They hold the earth with their roots
Improves soil structure
- Increases organic matter
- Fix atmospheric CO2
- Improves fertility
- Roots decompact the soil, improving its moisture retention capacity.
Enhancing natural habitats and increasing biodiversity
- Mas plantas, más polinizadores, más aves, más reptiles, más mamíferos, etc…
- More microfauna in the soil
- Reduces the risk of transfer of phytochemicals to aquifers.
Biological control
- Shelter and food source for potential insect predators, natural enemies of pests.
Adding value to crops
- Facilitates access to agri-environmental aid
- Permite limitar o evitar el uso de herbicidas y plaguicidas (menores costes)
In short, the use of native vegetation covers in agricultural ecosystems presents a series of environmental advantages, which have a very direct beneficial impact on crop production.
Examples of available plant coverings
Our team of native wildflower seed experts are ready to provide you with assistance and guidance.
Podemos diseñar cubiertas vegetales y mezclas de semillas de plantas y flores silvestres a medida en función de las características ecológicas concretas de la zona objeto de actuación.
