Cruising speed in the 2nd year of experimentation in “La Nocla”.

Already 559 poplars and 105 walnut trees have been planted, 4 experimental orchards and 3 educational orchards have been set up and about 2,500 species, including aromatic plants, shrubs and fruit trees, are currently being planted.

Just over a year ago 430 poplars were planted in “La Nocla”, only a month and a half after the farm had been ceded by the City Council of Granada to Salvemos la Vega-Vega Educa, as a demonstration plot of the project “LIFE Wood For Future”, led by the UGR and in which we have actively participated since its gestation.

Let’s remember that the objective of the “agroforestry” experiment that is being developed in the farm is to study the behavior of both poplars and annual rotation crops in this mixed system. Similar experiences in neighboring countries have already shown that this mixed system favors the absorption of nutrients and increases plant resilience to pests or drought, and there is also scientific evidence of its greater environmental benefits, as it attracts birds and insects, favors pollination and increases CO2 uptake. Now it is also a question of analyzing to what extent this cohabitation can be economically profitable for the farmer of the Vega and its possible impact on the reduction of air pollution in Granada and its metropolitan area.

Continuing with the project, last week another 129 poplars were planted in “La Nocla”, of a different clone from last year (MC and AF8), the beaupré clone, which withstands drought somewhat better, worried as we all are about the lack of rain and the scarcity of water, and 105 bare-root walnut trees. Advised, as always, by the magnificent technicians of IFAPA in Granada.

Cereal has also been planted among the poplars and 4 experimental orchards and 3 educational orchards have been set up, and some 2,500 species of aromatic plants, shrubs and fruit trees are currently being planted. Our gratitude to the members of the platform and to the volunteers who have been involved in this task is immense. Without them none of this would have been possible.

Cohabitation is ongoing and will continue to diversify. We like to think that as we plant, we are feeding back Vida en la Vega and we are looking forward to seeing how they grow together and analyzing how they behave.

Hopefully the rain will come to visit us often so that the public will soon be able to see with us that the “LIFE Wood For Future” project has been a success for the Vega in every way and the best opportunity for Granada and its metropolitan area.

Together with the University of Granada, LIFE Wood for the Future is participated by the Diputación de Granada, the Confederación de Organizaciones de Selvicultores de España, the University of Santiago de Compostela and 3edata Ingeniería Ambiental.