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ASSOCIAÇÃO EQUESTRE RE-HAVIDA DE HIPOTERAPIA E DRESSAGE

Arbo-Innova is a collaborative research initiative that brings together farmers, universities, and industry partners to develop sustainable solutions for intensive tree crop systems. The project focuses on building resilience in these systems through regenerative agriculture, aiming to restore soil health, enhance biodiversity, improve water cycles, and increase resilience to climate change — all while maintaining productivity and economic efficiency.

Dimitri Tsitos

Please describe your project in five sentences or fewer.

Arbo-Innova is a collaborative research project between farmers, universities, and industry to bring innovation to permanent crop agriculture, focusing on olives and almonds. Based in Portugal, we are implementing on-farm trials in super-high-density (SHD) olive and high-density (HD) almond systems to test regenerative agriculture practices that restore soil health, optimise water use, and enhance crop resilience and nutrient density. Our goals are to develop demonstration sites, generate credible scientific and agronomic data, develop and validate practical methodologies, and establish an R&D hub that bridges science and practice—creating a space to transfer knowledge, engage communities, and build strong networks for change.

In what way can you draw special value from the collaboration with AVINA?

From the very beginning, AVINA has shown a deep understanding of the challenges linked to the intensification of agricultural systems and recognised the importance of developing science-based solutions to address them. Their early interest and engagement were instrumental in making Arbo-Innova a reality. Throughout the project, AVINA has remained a supportive and present partner, offering guidance and maintaining open communication as we move through implementation. Beyond financial support, their collaboration brings strategic value—connecting us to a network that shares our vision of transforming agriculture through credible science, innovation, and collaboration.

What specific practices or methods of regenerative agriculture do you investigate, and which method is most promising?

At Arbo-Innova, we assess six key areas: soil, water, plant, biodiversity, nutrient density, and economic impact. We test multiple regenerative agriculture practices in conjunction - that is, in stacked combinations - to understand their holistic effects on farm management and system resilience. In parallel, we isolate certain practices to refine and compare results. Among the most promising techniques so fare are:

Cover crops – We have tested a range of cover crop mixes, planting techniques, machinery, soil preparation methods, and planting times. Different approaches to managing and terminating cover crops are also under study, including how to use, cut, and move biomass. These trials have allowed us to identify which combinations perform best in each context. Tests are ongoing, and our analysis is becoming increasingly detailed as more data come in.
Mulching the “berm” – The berm is the raised soil line where trees are planted in SHD and HD systems—an area often left bare and heavily sprayed. We have been testing multiple mulching solutions to improve berm soil health, including living mulches, different mulching machines, reduced herbicide use, and mechanical alternatives. Results are still being analysed, but initial findings show potential for better soil protection and reduced weed pressure.
Amendments: The use of mineral and organic amendments enhances soil function and, as a consequence, enhances orchard ecological function and crop performance. These include calcareous amendments, composts, manures, humic and fulvic acids, etc. We are testing the use of different product types, adapted to the soil’s needs.
Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) – A holistic approach to crop nutrition that allows us to optimise fertiliser use, whilst diversifying fertiliser sources to enhance soil health.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) – By introducing IPM techniques, we have greatly reduced pesticide use, leading to fewer chemicals in soils and plants, increased biodiversity, and lower production costs. This reduction has proven an effective entry point for farmer adoption, as savings can be reinvested in other regenerative practices such as cover cropping—helping activate a positive regeneration cycle.

Are there particular regenerative techniques that seem especially effective regardless of the farming system?

The techniques mentioned above are adaptable to most tree crop contexts and even to other crops. Each technique requires adaptation—there are many ways to manage cover crops, each capable of addressing specific soil issues and crop constraints depending on context. Overall, we are seeing strong early results with INM, IPM, and cover cropping. Other practices will begin to show measurable outcomes over the next two to four years. In the context of increasing market volatility, fluctuating input prices, and extreme climate events, these practices are proving increasingly relevant from both a resilience and a risk management perspective.

How do farmers respond to your findings? Are they open to change or sceptical?

From our experience, we’ve seen a wide range of reactions, reflecting the diversity of personalities and perspectives across the sector. Some farmers are naturally curious and quick to engage, while others prefer to observe results over time before adopting new approaches. What we find encouraging is a growing openness to explore regenerative solutions, driven by both economic pressures and the promise of greater resilience. Overall, there is a strong interest in the credibility and long-term potential of regenerative agriculture. The industry is watching closely, waiting for solid evidence that these practices work at scale—which is exactly why we are generating rigorous scientific data and expanding field trials in Arbo-Innova.