The installation of the first field trials at Quinta da Cholda ushers in an exciting stage in the SOILRES project’s drive for healthier, more resilient soils. This Mediterranean pilot site is dedicated to testing biodiversity-rich autumn–winter cover crops that rotate with maize, using direct drilling over maize residues, a technique that minimizes soil disturbance while maximizing ecological benefit.
Two custom seed mixtures, each with distinct species ratios, are being put to the test. These blends are designed to boost soil organic matter, support beneficial organisms, and conserve water throughout the cooler months. By sowing directly into crop residues, the trials explore how integration of living cover can influence nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration, and weed suppression.
The approach allows researchers and farmers to observe the real-world performance of diverse cover crops on soil structure, microbial activity, and yield stability. This trial at Quinta da Cholda will lay the groundwork for practical recommendations and digital tools that empower European farmers to replicate and tailor biodiversity strategies to their conditions.
Over the next few years, the SOILRES team will collect data to assess the effectiveness of these rotations in reducing chemical inputs, enhancing soil function, and building climate resilience. Alongside these trials, SOILRES is supporting collaborative networks and knowledge-sharing events that bring together farmers, scientists, and local communities for hands-on innovation.
With the launch of the field trials at Quinta da Cholda, SOILRES takes another meaningful step toward connecting science, collaboration, and the regeneration of agricultural soils across Europe.