In October, we carried out a detailed intervention in our agroforestry systems, accompanied by Ruben from PlantaFloresta, our specialist consultant in syntropic agriculture. The maintenance covered three specific plots: the April 2024 plot, the 2022 plot, and the Bosque das Bolotas. Our approach was grounded in the principles of syntropic agriculture, which aims to restore and strengthen the natural cycles of ecosystems through regenerative practices and high biodiversity.
Syntropic agriculture, developed by Ernst Götsch, is an approach inspired by the dynamics of natural forests to create productive and regenerative agricultural systems. Its core principles include natural succession, plant stratification, and the integration of biodiversity to create a highly resilient environment. In this spirit, our work focused on optimising natural succession and available biomass, tailoring each intervention to the specific needs of each space.
The three intervention plots::
April 2024 Plot: This plot was created during our agroforestry course in April 2024, as described here. Since its implementation, the majority of the plants have shown rapid growth, benefiting from the accelerated succession dynamics and the accumulation of biomass in the soil. The intervention focused on promoting cooperation between species, ensuring a favourable environment for the development of each plant stratum.
2022 Plot: Here, we faced the typical challenge of a system in a transitional phase. Some plants did not survive, leaving gaps in the system that needed to be filled. We developed a redesign of the system, following the concept of natural succession: we removed species that had already fulfilled their function and introduced new plants to occupy the empty spaces, promoting the continuity of the succession process. We drew on the patterns observed in the field, adjusting the layout of the plants according to their ecological functions and their roles in the succession process. The spatial organisation was designed to maximise beneficial interactions between plants, ensuring that the biomass produced by some feeds the soil and favours the growth of others, thus securing the progression of the system towards stages of greater complexity and stability..
Bosque das Bolotas: Like the April plot, the Bosque das Bolotas (Acorn Grove) was created during the Agroforestry course in April 2024, and is a space where succession management and stratification are applied. The intervention focused on species maintenance and biomass management, in order to keep the structure of the system stable and healthy. The accumulation of organic matter in the soil is fundamental to maintaining an environment of high fertility and water retention, core principles of syntropic agriculture..
The field intervention was guided by the practices of syntropic agriculture, with a specific focus on biomass management, succession, and the promotion of diversity:
- Pruning techniques: Pruning is not merely a management practice, but an essential syntropic tool. By pruning the fruit trees (apple, persimmon, peach, apricot, pear, almond, and plum trees) and the willows, we stimulated vegetative growth, increased the quantity of biomass available for the soil, and improved light penetration into the lower strata. This creates a more favourable environment for the growth of plants from different strata, respecting the light and shade dynamics typical of natural forests.
- Use of cuttings: We used willow and brugmansia cuttings both as propagation elements and to stabilise the soil in more exposed areas. These plants have a remarkable rooting capacity, helping to retain moisture and protect the soil from erosion, while at the same time creating conditions for other species to establish themselves.
- New plantings: The introduction of new plants following pruning, using the biomass generated, follows the principle of rapid soil regeneration. The new plantings help to cover open spaces, promoting nutrient cycling and the maintenance of a favourable microclimate for growth.
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Intervention with climbing plants: Climbing plants such as kiwi and grapevine had grown more rapidly than the black poplars serving as their support. As the poplars were unable to keep pace with the growth rate of the climbers, we put up bamboo canes so that the climbing plants could continue their development appropriately, ensuring that each plant integrated harmoniously into the dynamics of the system.
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Preparation of inter-rows: The preparation of inter-rows for vegetables and winter seed mixes — such as common vetch and oats — is a practice aimed at maintaining ground cover during the colder months. This is crucial for moisture retention, protection against erosion, and the maintenance of soil microbial life, all of which are fundamental elements of a living and fertile soil
The maintenance of our systems in October was an opportunity to strengthen the resilience of the different ecosystems in our care. Through syntropic practices, we work in harmony with natural processes, promoting soil regeneration, biodiversity, and long-term stability. With Ruben’s guidance and the dedication of our team, we continue to cultivate a future where nature and regenerative processes coexist in balance.
