{"id":86751,"date":"2025-03-24T12:41:00","date_gmt":"2025-03-24T11:41:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/regenerative-agriculture-in-catalonia\/"},"modified":"2025-12-04T17:20:15","modified_gmt":"2025-12-04T16:20:15","slug":"regenerative-agriculture-in-catalonia","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.irta.cat\/en\/regenerative-agriculture-in-catalonia\/","title":{"rendered":"Regenerative Agriculture in Catalonia"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Agriculture that restores soil properties, captures carbon and produces high-quality food<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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At IRTA we research regenerative agriculture<\/strong> because we want to commit to a sustainable agricultural model that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, regenerates both the biodiversity of the fields and the properties of the soils, and is economically profitable for the sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To make this possible, we are investigating the techniques that define the principles of regenerative agriculture:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Avoid plowing the fields<\/strong>
By reducing the tillage of agricultural soils, carbon sequestration is promoted while protecting the soil from erosion and increasing biodiversity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maintain a permanent plant cover throughout the year<\/strong>
Covering the soil with plants and porous mulches improves water and nutrient retention, increases its biodiversity and protects it from erosion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Promote biodiversity in the fields<\/strong>
Crop diversification, plant cover and the creation of habitats for pollinators and natural enemies of pests enhance biodiversity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Incorporate pastures<\/strong>
The integration of livestock through rotational grazing enriches the soil with organic matter and optimizes nutrient cycles in agricultural ecosystems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Optimize crop waste management<\/strong>
Crop residues, such as pruning residues or stubble, are used to provide organic matter to the soil, to improve its fertility and to conserve its moisture for a longer time. In addition, this practice promotes carbon sequestration and improves its structure. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cRegenerative agriculture offers the opportunity to ensure the production of quality food for present and future generations.\u201d<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Georgina Alins <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The AgriRegenCat and AgriCarboniCat projects<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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At IRTA we are developing the Regenerative Agriculture ( AgriRegenCat<\/a> )<\/strong> and Carbon Agriculture in Catalonia ( AgriCarboniCat<\/a> )<\/strong> projects, funded by the Generalitat de Catalunya through the Climate Fund<\/strong> to improve the resilience of crops to climate change. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To this end, our objectives are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) Investigate and identify the best techniques<\/strong> for regenerative agriculture and carbon in order to expand knowledge within this field of research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) Transfer scientific knowledge to the technical sector<\/strong> so that the most productive and economically and environmentally sustainable regenerative agriculture practices can be applied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) Disseminate and disseminate to the non-specialized public<\/strong> what regenerative agriculture is and highlight the benefits of consuming sustainable foods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through research into regenerative agriculture practices, we want to lead the transition towards a more sustainable agricultural future, providing practical and economically viable solutions. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

What do we investigate?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Biodiversity<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We characterize the soil microbiome, soil and aerial invertebrates (pollinators and natural enemies of pests) as well as floral diversity.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Soil quality and health<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We analyze soil structure and quality, including organic matter and nutrient content, water retention capacity, carbon stock, and carbon sequestration potential.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Greenhouse gases<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We quantify greenhouse gas emissions to identify agricultural practices that optimize the carbon balance; that minimize emissions and maximize carbon sequestration.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Life cycle analysis<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We calculate the effectiveness of different agricultural practices in reducing environmental impact, promoting sustainability and carbon balance and footprint.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Production<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We monitor field production to evaluate the profitability of regenerative agriculture and carbon sequestration practices.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cSequestering carbon in the soil reduces the excess concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and contributes to the mitigation of climate change by the agricultural sector.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Mart\u00ednez Eixarch <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Where do we investigate?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We have a network of demonstration farms and experimental fields in regenerative agriculture and carbon agriculture throughout Catalonia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There we investigate best practices in the most representative crops of the territory: extensive crops<\/strong> , rice<\/strong> , apple trees<\/strong> , vineyards<\/strong> and vegetable gardens<\/strong> .<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Distribution of experimental fields and demonstration farms:<\/p>\n\n\n

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The main experiments and research activities we carry out at these locations are:<\/p>\n\n\n

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Who do we work with?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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From IRTA we coordinate the projects, and we have the participation of CREAF and the University of Lleida.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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More than 30 people distributed throughout Catalonia participate in these projects:<\/p>\n\n\n

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The projects are coordinated by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Georgina Alins <\/strong>
IRTA researcher and coordinator of the AgriRegenCat project
georgina.alins@irta.cat<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Maite Martinez Eixarch <\/strong>
IRTA researcher and coordinator of the AgriCarboniCat project
maite.martinezeixarch@irta.cat<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Contact us!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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For more information, collaborations or other questions, you can contact us through the email of the project manager: nuria.bentoldra@irta.cat<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or with the dissemination responsible: ariadna.ferrer@irta.cat<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Agriculture that restores soil properties, captures carbon and produces high-quality food At IRTA we research regenerative agriculture because we want to commit to a sustainable agricultural model that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, regenerates both the biodiversity of the fields and the properties of the soils, and is economically profitable for the sector. 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