AGROALNEXT Project: Assessment of the current state of soils under intensive agriculture in the Campo de Cartagena region using quality and functionality indicators. Development of a guide to best practices for the improvement of degraded soils.

Hedges promote the accumulation and stabilization of organic matter in the soil. Hedges also promote microbial activity in the soil. However, there is a risk of water contamination due to the high levels of NO3- and P in the soil under hedges and in cultivated areas. The time elapsed since the hedges were planted has not been sufficient to significantly improve soil structure. Although the hedges have contributed to functionally improving the soils, more time is needed to consolidate these improvements. Furthermore, it is necessary to implement more sustainable agricultural management practices. Both of these aspects are key to increasing the sustainability and resilience of agriculture and reducing its environmental impacts.