GO MAXI-CoberLEG: Maximizing the Benefits of Cover Crops through the Selection of Winter Legume Species and Crop Management 

MAXI-CoberLEG is a supra-regional Operational Group whose aim is to provide solutions to the new challenges posed by climate change and improve agri-food quality in citrus production through the use of winter legume cover crops. 

To maintain the competitiveness and the environmental and economic sustainability of agriculture, it is crucial to continuously adapt to climate change and the associated environmental pressures. This requires the development of new agricultural products and practices that enhance the sustainability of the agroecosystem. In citrus production, key challenges include the increasing prevalence of invasive pests and diseases, soil desertification, and erosion, all of which threaten the future viability of these crops. 

The use of winter legume cover crops is a promising strategy, as it improves soil structure and sustainability, increases water and nutrient retention, boosts microbial activity, reduces weed growth and pest incidence, and supports plant growth. Among winter crops, annual legumes are notable for their ability to prevent erosion, suppress weeds, add organic matter to the soil, and fix nitrogen in the spring. 

These benefits, combined with the growing recognition of the environmental value of cover crops in European policy, make legumes a key agronomic tool for sustainable production. However, there is currently limited information on how to implement this strategy specifically in citrus production. 

Hence, initiatives like MAXI-CoberLEG are essential for the agricultural sector to become increasingly competitive, productive, and sustainable. 

Main Objective 

The main objective of MAXI-CoberLEG is to explore native lupin-based cover crops that maximize citrus yield and quality by restoring sustainability and resilience in production systems. 

Each specific objective has a direct impact on the citrus sector, as citrus plantations will be the direct beneficiaries of the results linked to each of them: 

1. Determine the productivity, adaptability, and viability of local lupin species and varieties for use as cover crops in various edaphoclimatic regions for citrus cultivation.
2. Optimize the use of phytosanitary products, reducing their necessity by promoting conservation biological control through winter cover crops.
3. Optimize winter cover crops and integrated farming practices in citrus orchards to improve nutrient benefits, water balance, and microbial diversity in the soil.
4. Assess the overall effectiveness of winter cover crop management on citrus fruit yield and quality indicators.
5. Disseminate strategies and results obtained through the inclusion of lupin cover crops and their impact on improving citrus crop sustainability.

Expected Results 

• Development of selection criteria for native lupin species or varieties based on local/specific conditions of each plot or crop. 

• Design and establishment of cover crops based on the selection of the lupin species/variety best suited to each scenario, promoting conservation biological control. 

• Design and establishment of cover crops to maximize nutrient benefits, water balance, and microbial diversity in the soil. 

• Evidence-based protocols to improve fruit yield and quality through sustainable management practices in citrus orchards. 

• Knowledge transfer of the outcomes to promote the use of agricultural practices based on cover cropping. 

Consult the project information brochure in: Spanish / English 

Check the project activities in: Spanish / English 

Operational Groups, the main actors in implementing the European Innovation Partnership for Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability (EIP-Agri), are one of the key tools in executing the Strategic Plan of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP-SP) 2023–2027 to promote innovation in the agri-food and forestry sectors across Europe. These are multi-actor partnerships including farmers, livestock breeders, companies, research and training centers, and outreach organizations who come together to launch innovation projects providing joint, multisectoral responses to specific problems or needs. 

This innovation project is part of the Strategic Plan for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP-SP) 2023–2027, co-financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) (80%) and the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA) (20%). The Directorate-General for Rural Development, Innovation, and Agri-food Training (DGDRIFA) is the authority responsible for implementing these grants. 

Total project budget: €598,609.05
Total grant: €591,393.44