SWIM – Soil and Water Improvement with Management

Soil and water are two fundamental resources that not only form the backbone of agri-food systems, but are also profoundly affected by the management and production practices associated with these systems. The conservation and improvement of these resources is particularly important in arid and semi-arid areas, where soils are often fragile and water is scarce and irregular over time. These regions are a priority area of interest for our group.

The SWIM (Soil and Water Improvement with Management) group was created with the aim of generating applied knowledge to promote the conservation and improvement of soil and water resources, ensuring their essential functions and the provision of ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, water cycle regulation and support for plant growth. By studying management practices and technologies adapted to different contexts, we work to develop solutions that enable the preservation of soil and water, the restoration of degraded ecosystems and the increase of the resilience of socio-ecological systems to climate change.

We address these challenges in an interdisciplinary and cross-cutting manner, working to better understand soil, water, and plant processes in a wide variety of land use systems, including forests, grasslands, croplands, and agroforestry systems. The results of our translational research contribute to the sustainability of production systems, improved agricultural productivity, and enhanced livelihoods for rural communities.

1. Adapting practices to conserve and improve soil and water resources in agricultural systems: We study soil and water conservation practices in various contexts. These practices include proper vegetation cover management, soil management, application of organic residues and amendments, and hydrotechnical measures such as terraces and other structures to increase infiltration and reduce surface runoff. We also study the application of innovative fertilisation techniques and the use of biological agents that protect soil and water quality.
2. Relationship between soil and water resource quality and social and human impact: Often, the relationship between soil and water quality and agronomic benefits (e.g., improvements in product quality or quantity, water cycle regulation, or carbon sequestration) is not well quantified. The benefits for human health and community well-being, especially in contexts of environmental risk and social vulnerability, have also not been sufficiently explored. In this line of research, we contribute to addressing these knowledge gaps in productive agroecosystems, addressing issues such as water-related risks and disasters, food security and food systems, the food environment and nutrition, and using interdisciplinary approaches, such as socio-ecological systems and the “One Health” perspective.
3. The nexus between trees and water and forest management in forests and agroforestry systems for the conservation and improvement of water and soil resources: We study the relationship between trees, forests and water resources, addressing the nexus between soil, water and vegetation in forest and agroforestry systems. The aim is to understand how trees and their management influence water availability and quality and soil health, contributing to climate resilience and the sustainable provision of ecosystem services. This line of research includes the evaluation of agroforestry restoration and management practices.

1. Application of techniques to diagnose soil health.
2. Assessment of the impact of management on soils and water.
3. Management of soil fertility and fertilisation.
4. Testing new organic materials and by-products as fertilisers.
5. Interdisciplinary analysis of agronomic, environmental and social indicators.
6. International research projects.
7. Technology transfer and development projects.
8. Dissemination and exchange projects and initiatives.

The SWIM group conducts research with a clear international focus, paying particular attention to arid and semi-arid areas, especially in the Mediterranean region and sub-Saharan Africa, where soil degradation and water insecurity are critical socio-environmental challenges. Through transdisciplinary projects and collaborations with universities, research centres, non-governmental organisations and intergovernmental bodies, we contribute to generating applied knowledge that promotes sustainable soil and water management practices, adapted to local contexts and with global reach.

We are part of European and international networks and consortia, such as the AfroGrow project, which focuses on agroforestry systems in Africa, and the Coalition for Action on Soil Health (CA4SH), which promotes soil health worldwide. These collaborations foster knowledge sharing and technology transfer and strengthen our capacity to influence policies and practices related to food security, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and biodiversity conservation.

Through a combination of applied research and work with multiple stakeholders, from local communities to international organisations, the SWIM group aims to become a global reference for the sustainable management and improvement of soil and water resources.