The LIFE Scrubsnet Project “Regeneration and improvement of dehesas through the appropriate management of scrubland/shrub areas” explores the potential of scrub management as a way to regenerate and improve the Montado and Dehesas (Montado’s counterpart in Spain). In this sense, and as the soil is the basis of the whole system, the researchers from the MED who are part of the project team at the University of Évora began their work by taking a close look at the soil conditions.
The work began with the collection of soil samples from the two properties integrated in the project and which will be the target of intervention: Terra das Freiras and Grupo de São Mateus, both located in the Site of Community Importance (SCI) of Monfurado, of the Natura 2000 Network, in Montemor-o-Novo.
Most soils in the Alentejo are acidic and have a high manganese toxicity, resulting in an unpropitious soil for the growth of various plants. Thus, one of the solutions under analysis is the application of dolomitic limestone, considered to be the most efficient technique for correcting soil acidity.
Once the high acidity of the collected soils was confirmed through laboratory analysis (physical and chemical components), dolomitic lime was applied to the soil of the two farms. The first results of this action are expected to be seen next spring.
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