Yesterday, we successfully held the workshop “Management of Vegetation Covers in Agricultural Ecosystems: Effects on Biodiversity and Resource Availability”, organized by INAGEA-UIB in collaboration with IVIA and CIDE. The event brought together experts, researchers, and farmers to discuss the crucial role of vegetation covers as a sustainable tool in modern agriculture.
Key Highlights of the Workshop
The workshop began with an opening ceremony featuring Dr. Sebastià Massanet Massanet (Director General of Universities, Research, and Higher Artistic Education, Balearic Government), Dr. Víctor Homar Santaner (Vice-Rector for Scientific Policy and Research, UIB), and Dr. José M. Escalona (Director of INAGEA-UIB).
Throughout the morning, attendees enjoyed several keynote presentations:
- Dr. Elena Baraza (INAGEA-UIB) discussed the impact of vegetation covers on soil microbiota and their interaction with vineyards.
- Alice Casiraghi (IVIA) explored arthropod communities in vegetation covers and their role in biological pest control.
- Dr. Miguel Ángel Miranda (INAGEA-UIB) analyzed how vegetation covers influence disease vectors such as Xylella fastidiosa.
After a break, the sessions resumed with:
- Dr. Maite Fernández de Bobadilla (IVIA), who explained ant-based pest control in citrus crops using vegetation covers.
- Dr. Ignacio Buesa (CIDE, CSIC-UV-GV), who addressed water and nutrient management in woody crops.
The event concluded with a roundtable discussion moderated by Dr. Josefina Bota (INAGEA-UIB), where participants exchanged perspectives and drew practical conclusions for implementing vegetation covers.
A Step Forward in Agroecology
This workshop highlighted how vegetation covers can enhance biodiversity, improve soil health, and optimize water use in agriculture. INAGEA reaffirms its commitment to research and innovation in sustainable farming practices.