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Management Regenerative Practices in Different Plots (Azores)

Context & Location​

  • Azores, Portugal island
  • Oceanic subtropical climate
  • Mixed arable and pastoral system

Objectives​

  • Compare management impacts in different plots with different microenvironments

Problem Description​

A single farm can show different microenvironments and soil properties due to different management practices. The sampling of different areas' strategy reveals significant variability in soil development and productivity potential.

Proposed Approach / Pilot Logic​

Three plots with different management.

Implementation of seed mixture through direct sowing, to increase the protein amount.

Data & Measurements​

  • Soil chemistry: pH, organic matter, N, P, K, Ca, S, Mo
  • Soil biology: microbial diversity and pathogen presence
  • Indicators of compaction and nutrient excess

Key Findings (Preliminary)​

  • Critical phosphorus shortage in all plots
  • Soil compaction and poor drainage (in two plots)
  • Microbiological analysis showed zonal variability reflecting different land use.

Expected Value​

  • Amendment of phosphorus and micronutrient to avoid yield suppression
  • Increase diversification using crops consociation
  • Mitigate the risk of fungal presence

Why this pilot matters​

It highlights that in a single farm we can have different microenvironments, and that soil analysis and corrections together with the implementation of regenerative practices are essential to restore soil function and long-term productivity.