One year after the devastating floods of May 2023 in Emilia Romagna, the momentum for soil conservation and protection in Italy remains strong. Among the notable initiatives is the “Emergency Flooded Lands” Working Group (WG), jointly coordinated by Ri.Nova and ITER Organization. This collaborative effort involves researchers, farmers, and consultants who have been tirelessly monitoring the flood-affected areas and supporting recovery efforts.
At the end of June 2024, the working group conducted a field survey across several farms impacted by the flooding. The findings highlight the remarkable resilience of farmers who have worked diligently to restore soil structure and fertility.
- Key Recovery Measures Implemented:
- Soil Tillage: Techniques like harrowing were employed to rebuild soil structure.
- Immediate Replanting: Dead plants were promptly replaced to counter root asphyxia
- Permanent Grassing: Some farms adopted permanent grassing in inter-row areas, which has proven to be an effective solution for restoring soil fertility.
Despite the challenges, including hailstorms that affected this year’s fruit production, many farms have made substantial progress. This demonstrates the extraordinary resilience of the region’s farmers and the importance of coordinated efforts to protect and restore soil quality after extreme events.
This initiative underscores the critical role of soil conservation in mitigating the long-term impacts of natural disasters and building a sustainable agricultural future.
