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Water‐saving techniques for restoring desertified lands: Some lessons from the field
Author(s) -
Carabassa Vicenç,
AlbaPatiño Daniela,
García Sergio,
Campo Julián,
Lovenstein Harrie,
Van Leijen Gertruud,
Castro Antonio J.,
González Francisco,
Viera Gustavo,
Kourkoumpas DimitriosSotirios,
Zioga Argyro Aliki,
Papadelis Christos Emmanouel,
Andreu Vicente,
Gimeno Eugènia,
Kallen Sven,
Alcañiz Josep Maria
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
land degradation and development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.403
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1099-145X
pISSN - 1085-3278
DOI - 10.1002/ldr.4134
Subject(s) - desertification , arid , seedling , sowing , environmental science , vegetation (pathology) , soil water , mediterranean climate , agronomy , agroforestry , biology , ecology , soil science , medicine , pathology
Nature‐based solutions can significantly contribute to restoration projects in areas affected by desertification processes, where they are necessary for reversing land degradation. Currently, one innovative solution is The Cocoon™, which has been designed as a new ecotechnology for improving seedling establishment. The Cocoon consists of a doughnut‐shaped container made of recycled cardboard that provides water and shelter at least during the first year of a seedling, which is the most critical for plant establishment. To determine the effectiveness of this ecotechnology under different conditions, the Cocoon was tested on a variety of soils, climates, vegetation, and land uses. Six planting trials were performed in Spain and Greece, which covered a range from humid to arid climates. With the objective of studying its functionality, the survival of the seedlings, their vigor, and growth were monitored for 2 years. Compared with conventional planting systems, the Cocoon has effectively increased seedling survival, especially under dry growing conditions (low rainfall, soils with low water holding capacity). The Cocoon also allowed for higher growth of some species (olive trees, holm oaks, and Aleppo pines). Moreover, a positive correlation between the rainfall on the site and the biodegradation degree of the Cocoon device was observed. Overall, the Cocoon becomes more efficient in arid climates or adverse growing conditions.