Coordinated by Agri Kulti, this pilot study takes place at Pallagvölgyi Biokert, a biointensive horticulture farm in Kóspallag, Hungary. The farm operates a CSA system, delivering seasonal vegetables to customers. The study focuses on the use of legumes, particularly Faba beans, for winter cover and weed suppression in organic horticulture, aligning with the project’s objectives to assess legume benefits in cropping systems and ecosystem services (ES).
Objectives:
- Assess the environmental benefits of legumes in biointensive farming, focusing on weed suppression and soil health.
- Compare different mulching strategies and cover crops (e.g., compost, straw, Faba beans) for soil structure, moisture retention, and biodiversity.
- Engage local stakeholders, including farmers and consumers, to promote the value of legumes’ cultural and ecosystem services.
- Establish long-term monitoring infrastructure (weather station, soil analysis) to track key ES indicators such as microclimate regulation and erosion control.
Specific Objectives:
- Evaluate the impact of legume-based mulches on soil health and farm productivity.
- Identify best management practices for biointensive permaculture with legumes.
- Build capacity among stakeholders to understand and appreciate the role of legumes in sustainable farming.