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Success cases
Reducing agrochemical reliance with native lupine covers in citrus farming
DARWIN Bioprospecting Excellence is proud to collaborate on the innovative MAXI-coberLEG project, a multidisciplinary initiative funded under the CAP Strategic Plan (2023-2027). This ambitious project, led by MBG-CSIC and involving esteemed partners from academia, industry, and agricultural cooperatives, aims to revolutionize the sustainability of citrus farming through the use of native lupine varieties for groundcover strategies. With a strong focus on public-private collaboration, this research will take place across multiple regions in Spain and will continue until 2027. DARWIN’s main role will be to assess how the different treatments applied affect the soil microbiome. In other words, we will be able to study whether vegetation cover has a positive impact on soil health.
Problem
The citrus farming sector faces significant challenges due to climate change and environmental stresses, including soil desertification, invasive pests, diseases, and reliance on synthetic phytosanitary products. These issues threaten the long-term viability of citrus crops, demanding sustainable solutions to maintain productivity while improving ecological resilience. Additionally, soil degradation and microbial imbalances in the rhizosphere compromise crop yield and quality.
Solution
Through the MAXI-coberLEG project, DARWIN and its partners are addressing agricultural challenges by utilizing the biodiversity of native lupine varieties to develop effective winter groundcovers. These groundcovers contribute to sustainable citrus production in the following ways:
1. Restoring soil health: They enhance microbial diversity, improve nutrient balance, and strengthen soil structure.
2. Optimizing resource use: They reduce reliance on synthetic agrochemicals by promoting biological pest control.
3. Boosting productivity: They increase yield and fruit quality through tailored management practices for the ground cover.
4. Local adaptation: They involve selecting lupine species and varieties that are suited to specific regions to maximize ecosystem benefits.