Ecological Odyssey

During a week, 10 students from MAEBB, MAA, MaCT and MDEF got together as part of the Ecological Interactions class, that took part at the village at Benifallet, placed by the Ebro River. During this period, the students got in touch with the faculty’s land in order to come up with analysis, thoughts and solutions for this Mediterranean landscape that is going through some desertification. The results are shown below and cover the four groups that were formed: Group 01

Group 01: Soil Tracking and Re-covering the Land

The analysis of the current conditions of the land was done by observing three basis of information: Soil, Topography and Vegetation. This was done by walking around the site and collecting samples that represent different conditions of moisture, vegetation, topography and soil.

One way to classify soil according to the colot is The Munsell soil color chart, which is a method for determining soil colors by comparison of soil samples with the color chips. In this system, color is expressed in terms of hue (basic color), value (lightness or darkness), and chroma (intensity of basic hue) [1]. The map developed having a Telephoto as reference shows some hue variations on the land, which is mostly around a yellow and light color. White soils tend to be high in calcium, making the ph more alkaline (due to the calcium carbonate, found on the limestone bedrocks. [2]

Existing Conditions

The site conditions were observed by focusing on three types of topography as follows: 1. Terraced and eroded zone, 2. Sloped zones, 3. Catchment zones. Samples were obtained from each zone to better understand the situation and to propose interventions.

The following were observed as per the zone:
1. Terraced and eroded zones: Reddish soil mixed with rock, higher iron and moisture content, potential for more plantation based vegetation.
2. Steep Zones: Moderate moisture, moss growth occurs, more vegetation diversity, goat excrements were found showing there is potential for shrubs and other smaller plants to be grown.
3. Catchment Zones: Flat terrain covered with pine needles, large quantity of tree vegetation, higher moisture content and fertile soil found.

Microscope analysis

Samples collected were analyzed using a microscope. An initial examination by the naturalist Isadora showed that the soil was quite dry—an impression the group did not initially have, as our preliminary observations described it as somewhat moist.

Another issue that arose was the need to dissolve one of the samples further because it was too clay-like, indicating another characteristic of the soil.

Further analysis under the microscope at 100x magnification showed a lack of life in the soil. Only a few amoebas and spores were identified; we could not find bacteria, protozoa, nematodes, or fungi.

Therefore, the proposal focuses on introducing more life into the soil. The strategy involves using cover crops, which help decrease temperature, retain water, and control erosion. Based on the terrain conditions, different plant species are recommended.

Intervention

Trees & Bushes

Trees

The proposed intervention involves strategically planting drought-resistant trees and shrubs, such as olive, carob, and lavender, along the contours of the terraced hill. These species are selected for their adaptability to calcium-rich, Mediterranean soils and for their deep-root systems, which effectively stabilize the slopes and reduce erosion. By incorporating trees and shrubs with differing heights and root structures, one can enhance soil retention, improve water absorption, and create a resilient, self-sustaining landscape that requires minimal maintenance.

Olive Tree (Olea europaea)

• Benefits: Olive trees are perfectly suited for Mediterranean climates and calcium-rich soils. Their deep roots help stabilize the soil, and they are highly drought-resistant.
• Topography: Ideal for hill slopes and terraces.
• Moisture: Thrives in dry, well-drained soils.

Pistachio Tree (Pistacia vera)

• Benefits: Highly drought-resistant, pistachio trees can thrive in dry, calcium-rich soils and provide deep roots for slope stabilization.
• Topography: Suitable for hilltop or terraced areas.
• Moisture: Prefers well-drained, dry soils.

Fig Tree (Ficus carica)

• Benefits: Fig trees are drought-resistant, tolerant of calcium-rich soils, and provide excellent erosion control with their deep root systems.
• Topography: Suitable for steep or terraced areas.
• Moisture: Thrives in dry conditions but benefits from occasional deep watering.

Bushes

Lavender (Lavandula spp.)

• Benefits: Lavender thrives in dry, rocky, and alkaline soils. Its deep roots stabilize hillsides, and it requires little water.
• Topography: Ideal for rocky, sloped terrain.
• Moisture: Extremely drought-tolerant.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

• Benefits: A Mediterranean native, rosemary is highly drought-tolerant and thrives in alkaline soils. Its spreading growth and deep roots help prevent erosion.
• Topography: Excellent for rocky, calcium-rich hillsides.
• Moisture: Needs minimal water and thrives in dry conditions.

Thyme (Thymus spp.)

• Benefits: A highly drought-tolerant, suitable for rocky, calcium-rich soils, and spreads easily, providing excellent ground cover for erosion control.
• Topography: Ideal for rocky, sloped, or terraced landscapes.
• Moisture: Thrives in dry, well-drained soils & requiring minimal water once established.

Cover Crop

The selected cover crops, such as barley, sainfoin, and vetch, should be planted between terraces to enrich the soil health and prevent erosion. These drought-tolerant crops, suited for Mediterranean and calcium-rich soils, serve as a ground cover to reduce moisture loss, enhance soil fertility, and improve organic matter. The dense root systems will stabilise the soil, reducing erosion on the slope and support hillside longevity.

Mediterranean.Grasses (Bromus spp.)

• Topography: Well-suited for steep, rocky terrain.
• Benefits: Drought-tolerant grasses that provide excellent ground cover, stabilize slopes, and can thrive in alkaline soils.
• Moisture: Extremely drought-resistant, requiring minimal water.

Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia)

• Benefits: An excellent cover crop for calcium-rich and dry soils deep-rooted legume that fixes nitrogen, improves soil fertility, and thrives in alkaline soils.
• Topography: Suitable for sloped, rocky, and calcium-rich soils.
• Moisture: Tolerates dry conditions once established.

Vetch (Vicia sativa or Vicia villosa)

• Benefits: This legume fixes nitrogen in the soil, improves fertility, and provides excellent ground cover for preventing erosion.
• Topography: Great for sloped areas with calcium-rich soils.
• Moisture: Tolerates dry conditions but benefits from moderate moisture.

Terrace Covering Vine

To reinforce the terrace structure and improve hillside stability, drought-resistant vines can be planted to cover and anchor the stones. Their spreading root systems hold soil and stones together, reducing erosion and enhancing terrace durability. The selected species are chosen for their ability to tolerate the climates and calcium-rich soils, offering excellent coverage with minimal soil nutrient needs.

Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila)

This is a drought-tolerant, fast-growing vine that can easily cling to terrace stones using adhesive rootlets. It tolerates poor, dry, and nutrient-deficient soils with minimal soil requirements while creating a dense mat of foliage.

Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)

This is a vine that clings to stones with small tendrils with a high tolerance for poor soils with little maintenance requirement once established. It adapts and grows in dry, rocky soils and is highly drought-resistant. Its root system helps bind terrace stones, providing both erosion control and coverage.

Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)

It’s a vigorous vine with aerial roots that help it cling to stones and walls. It is highly drought-resistant and can grow in poor soils additionally it is strong with fast-growing roots that hold terrace stones together, even in tough growing conditions.

References

• [1] W.F. Rowe, FORENSIC APPLICATIONS, Editor(s): Daniel Hillel, Encyclopedia of Soils in the Environment, Elsevier, 2005, Pages 67-72, ISBN 9780123485304, https://doi.org/10.1016/B0-12-348530-4/00495-1. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B0123485304004951)
• [2] TheWalledNursery. (2023, October 3). Chalky soil characteristics: Understanding soil composition and properties. The Walled Nursery. https://www.thewallednursery.com/chalky-soil-characteristics-understanding-soil-composition-and-properties/
• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322477632_SUITABILITY_OF_VETCH_VICIA_SATIVA_L_AND_V_VILLOSA_ROTH_CULTIVARS_FOR_ORGANIC_FARMING_CONDITIONS
• https://www.fao.org/land-water/land/sustainable-land-management/soil-erosion
• Optimizing Carbon Sequestration Through Cover Cropping in Mediterranean Agroecosystems: Synthesis of Mechanisms and Implications for Management (https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/agronomy/articles/10.3389/fagro.2022.844166/full)]

Group 02: Moisture Tracking and Water Retention

Existing

Moss as a moisture indicator

Moss is often regarded as a reliable indicator of moisture levels in the environment due to its ability to thrive in damp, shaded areas where water retention is high. Unlike plants with roots that access water from the soil, moss absorbs moisture directly from the air through its leaves. This quality allows moss to flourish in humid environments, making it a natural signpost for areas with consistent moisture.

The concentration of plant growth is often influenced not just by soil composition but also by topography and the flatness of the ground. In areas with steep slopes, water tends to run off quickly, leaving little moisture for plants to absorb. This water runoff reduces the amount of available water in the soil, leading to sparser vegetation on steep terrain. In contrast, flat or gently sloping areas allow water to seep into the soil and remain available for longer periods, promoting a denser concentration of plant life. Therefore, the steepness of the land plays a critical role in determining where vegetation can thrive, independent of soil type.

Proposed

Micro-Topography

Micro-topography on terraced agricultural land enhances water collection by creating small variations in surface elevation, which helps capture and direct rainwater effectively. These tiny depressions or channels slow water runoff, allowing it to infiltrate the soil gradually. This improves moisture retention, particularly in dry or semi-arid regions, and reduces the need for supplemental irrigation. Micro-topographical features also help prevent soil erosion by minimizing the force of water flow across the land. Combined with terraces, these subtle variations contribute to a more sustainable, water-efficient agricultural system, enhancing crop resilience and yield while conserving resources in water-scarce areas.

Optimizing the terraces in sloped areas can significantly alter the future condition of a microclimate by enhancing water retention and moisture capture. Terracing works by levelling the land in steps, reducing water runoff and allowing rainwater to absorb into the soil instead of flowing downhill. This creates a more favourable environment for plant growth, as moisture remains available for longer periods. Over time, these terraces can transform a previously dry and sparsely vegetated slope into a more fertile and humid microclimate, encouraging diverse ecosystems to develop. The practice of terracing not only improves local water management but also helps stabilize the terrain and prevent erosion, contributing to a more resilient landscape.

Intervention

Our intervention involves redesigning the existing terraced slopes by incorporating hummocks and hollows to enhance water retention and prevent runoff. This approach aims to create a more effective moisture-capturing system, enabling vegetation to thrive by addressing topography-driven water distribution rather than relying solely on soil types.

References

• Meteoblue. (n.d.). Weather maps: Benifallet, Spain. Retrieved from https://www.meteoblue.com/en/weather/maps/benifallet_spain_3128271#coords=12.33/40.95211/0.519&map=windAnimationrainbowNEMS1210%20m%20above%20gndnone
• Agència Catalana de l’Aigua (ACA). (n.d.). Xarxes de distribució municipals. Retrieved from https://aca.gencat.cat/ca/laigua/infraestructures/xarxes-abastament/xarxes-distribucio-municipals/
• Institut Cartogràfic i Geològic de Catalunya (ICGC). (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.icgc.cat/en
• Bertin, H., et al. (n.d.). Advances in microtopography measurement of gravel. HAL Open Science. Retrieved from https://hal.science/hal-03470841v1/file/Bertin%20et%20al.%20-%20ADVANCES%20IN%20MICROTOPOGRAPHY%20MEASUREMENT%20OF%20GRAVEL%20.pdf
• Wetlands. (n.d.). Microtopography and soil nutrients in restoration ecology. Retrieved from https://www.wetlands.com/s/Microtopography_SoilNutrients_RestorationEcology.pdf
• ScienceDirect. (2013). Estimating hydraulic properties of peat soil using soil moisture. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1364815213002405
• ResearchGate. (n.d.). Conceptualization of hummock and hollow microtopography within raised dome bog ecosystem. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Conceptualization-of-hummock-and-hollow-microtopography-within-raised-dome-bog-ecosystem_fig2_307759642
• Hispagua. (n.d.). Confederación Hidrográfica del Ebro. Retrieved from https://hispagua.cedex.es/en/instituciones/confederaciones/ebro

Group 03: Steps towards ecological connectivity

The importance of ecological connectivity has grown substantially as urban expansion and agricultural development continue to fragment natural habitats. In the specific context of Binefallet, bridging densely urbanized areas with trees and vegetation is crucial for restoring and preserving biodiversity, facilitating species movement, and allowing natural ecosystems to function optimally. This project, “Steps Towards Ecological Connectivity,” focuses on rewilding efforts to create continuous, thriving habitats that promote the movement of flora and fauna across fragmented landscapes.

Ecological connectivity is essential in rewilding initiatives because it enables natural interactions and processes to flourish. By connecting areas with dense vegetation, we not only provide safe passages for wildlife but also support crucial ecosystem services, such as pollination, seed dispersal, and nutrient cycling. These processes bolster ecosystem resilience, making local habitats better equipped to adapt to climate change challenges, such as extreme weather events and shifting species distributions.

In areas like Binefallet, implementing rewilding practices enhances biodiversity at every trophic level, from soil microbes to larger mammals. It mitigates the effects of habitat fragmentation, which has led to reduced genetic diversity and weakened ecosystem resilience. By restoring ecological corridors, we create opportunities for species to thrive, while simultaneously improving air and water quality, controlling erosion, and moderating temperatures—all of which are vital for adapting to a rapidly changing climate.

This map highlights the diverse typology of Binefallet’s terrain, displaying existing tree placements and dense vegetation patches interwoven with proposed green corridors for rewilding. These corridors are strategically placed to connect fragmented habitats and enhance ecological connectivity across the area. The aim is to create seamless paths that support wildlife movement and strengthen biodiversity by linking isolated greenery. Through targeted rewilding techniques, such as native tree planting and soil restoration, these corridors will become vital conduits for flora and fauna, contributing to a resilient ecosystem better equipped to counteract climate change impacts in Binefallet.

The green corridors continue to serve as vital connectors for local wildlife, supporting the enhanced biodiversity of the rewilded zones. Meanwhile, areas shaded in yellow indicate regions designated for organic agriculture and co-grazing practices. These zones balance ecological restoration with productive land use, allowing for organic crop cultivation alongside animal grazing that benefits the soil and complements the rewilding efforts. Together, these initiatives promote ecological resilience, creating a landscape that thrives both naturally and agriculturally in response to climate challenges.

Intervention

The intervention seeks to use methods of Rewilding. By planting various scales of plants and rocks, corridors are created throughout the site. This seeks to create various forms of passive water retention and soil fertilization. This in turn creates new microclimates on farmable land, and allows for improved soil health and hydration that can allow for stronger biodiversity and crop yield depending on the scales of the specific planted intervention.

Diverse Plant Types

The cubic section showcases a variety of low-growing shrubs and grasses typical of the dry, rocky environment in Benifallet, Spain. Some species likely include Thymus vulgaris (common thyme), Lavandula stoechas (Spanish lavender), and Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), which are well-adapted to arid conditions and help stabilize the soil with their deep-root systems.

Soil Protection

The arrangement of cover plants in the cube demonstrates their ecological role in protecting the soil. These plants reduce erosion by holding the soil in place and creating a microclimate that retains moisture, helping the field withstand extreme temperatures and maintain balance within the ecosystem.

Temperature Regulation

The small but dense cover of plants in the cube also plays an important role in regulating the temperature of the soil. Their shade helps prevent excessive heat buildup, which could damage the ecosystem, and they offer some insulation against the colder temperatures at night, promoting overall soil health.

Wind Protection

One of the goals of the intervention is to regulate wind passing through the farm land. By creating small blockades, wind is unable to reach the earth, and thus reduces the evaporation of water. This ensures water is held.

Sun Protection

By planting dense bushes and trees, a second form of water retention is created via sun protection. Even with just a small area of ground being covered in shade during more hours of the day, less water is evaporated from the site, but not enough shade is present to block growing plants.

Humid Microclimate

Overall, these interventions seek to create microclimates on farmable land that ensure a higher humidity in an otherwise dry climate. By holding more water on the farmland, more plants are encouraged to grow, and better soil health is given.

Soil Nutrients

Another benefit of the rewilding is a passive fertilizer introduced by falling leaves, sticks, needles, grasses, and more. The decomposition of additional plant matter allows the soil ecosystems to remain healthy and active. New plant matter and nutrients are continuously added into the soil, creating a healthier ecosystem for plants to grow in.

Soil Moisture

The decaying plant matter also acts as an additional barrier for soil moisture, trapping rain water just below the surface.

This intervention focuses on modifying soil topology through strategic digging to retain more water in the upper areas of the landscape. By altering the topography in this way, the project aims to create optimal conditions for agriculture and support diverse plant growth by enhancing water retention and distribution in targeted areas.

This intervention involves altering the topography on elevated areas opposite the valley to improve water distribution and support plant growth. By reshaping the land in these upper areas, water retention can be increased, creating more opportunities for irrigation and expanding vegetation coverage. This approach redistributes water more effectively across the landscape, promoting diverse plant growth and enhancing ecological balance.

References

[1] W.F. Rowe, FORENSIC APPLICATIONS, Editor(s): Daniel Hillel, Encyclopedia of Soils in the Environment, Elsevier, 2005, Pages 67-72, ISBN 9780123485304, https://doi.org/10.1016/B0-12-348530-4/00495-1.

(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B0123485304004951)

[2] TheWalledNursery. (2023, October 3). Chalky soil characteristics: Understanding soil composition and properties. The Walled Nursery. https://www.thewallednursery.com/chalky-soil-characteristics-understanding-soil-composition-and-properties/

Group 04: The O-horizon

Existing

This project is all about looking at a small patch of land, specifically a one-meter square cube, in Benifallet, Spain. We’re focusing on the different species living in that small area, but the main goal is to see how cover plants work. These plants do an amazing job of protecting the soil and helping to keep the temperature balanced. By observing this little space, we hope to understand more about how these plants benefit the environment around them.

we chose to analyze as a 1 m² on the west side of the plot. the terraces is facing west and a small tree is placed on the east (on a higher terrace). This allow us to work on a plot that is less eroded then average.

The presence of herbal plant like rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris) or sedum (Sedum sediforme) suggests a resilient ecosystem that thrives in dry, rocky conditions. These plants are drought-tolerant and well-adapted to the arid environment in Benifallet, helping to conserve water and stabilize the soil. The mix of plants and rocks plays an essential role in protecting the soil from erosion. Rosemary’s dense, woody roots and the sprawling growth of sedum help keep the soil anchored, while the rocks provide additional support by reducing water runoff and wind erosion.

Succulents like sedum are especially good at creating a microclimate within this 1-meter space. They retain moisture, which benefits surrounding plants, and they act as natural temperature regulators, absorbing heat during the day and releasing it at night, helping to maintain a balanced environment for the species growing there.

Intervention

The cubic section showcases a variety of low-growing shrubs and grasses typical of the dry, rocky environment in Benifallet, Spain. Some species likely include Thymus vulgaris (common thyme), Lavandula stoechas (Spanish lavender), and Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), which are well-adapted to arid conditions and help stabilize the soil with their deep-root systems.

The arrangement of cover plants in the cube demonstrates their ecological role in protecting the soil. These plants reduce erosion by holding the soil in place and creating a microclimate that retains moisture, helping the field withstand extreme temperatures and maintain balance within the ecosystem.The small but dense cover of plants in the cube also plays an important role in regulating the temperature of the soil. Their shade helps prevent excessive heat buildup, which could damage the ecosystem, and they offer some insulation against the colder temperatures at night, promoting overall soil health.

The proposal aims to balance the soil protection and profitability. the herbs like thyme, ruda and rosmary can be a source of income to the farmer, while perennial grass and sedum will protect the soil.

References

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prompt: Do the cube image diagram by using those plants in the chat