Covering the soil reduces water evaporation. This can be done using various materials such as straw, wood chips, bioplastics, and, of particular interest, sheep wool. This traditional practice has regained attention as a way to mitigate drought effects and reduce reliance on conventional materials. It is a sustainable method that is gaining popularity in organic farming.

To promote this technique, we are organizing a practical training course at Vinyes Binitord (Ciutadella) on April 11th. The course will explore different mulching options, with special emphasis on the use of wool—a material that not only conserves water but also improves soil quality and protects crops from pests.

Date: Friday, April 11th
Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Binitord
Price: €25 | €15 for farmers under the Land Stewardship Scheme
Coffee break and lunch included

Speaker

Raoul Ferrer, an agronomist specializing in regenerative agriculture and holistic management—also known on social media as Senyor de les Gallines (The Chicken Man)—will lead the training. With a background in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Barcelona and training at the Savory Institute, Ferrer has worked on various farms in Menorca and collaborated with GOB on agricultural consultancy. Passionate about soil conservation, he has researched techniques to improve soil fertility and water efficiency, particularly wool mulching.

A practical course for farmers and gardening enthusiasts

This course is designed for farmers, horticulturists, and anyone interested in sustainable agriculture. It will include both theoretical and practical sessions:

• Theoretical session: Overview of different mulching materials such as wool, wood chips, bioplastics, paper, and straw. Discussion of their benefits and applications across various crops. Introduction to the use of wool as a seedling substrate.
• Practical session: Hands-on demonstrations, including mulching applications in a vineyard and preparing wool-based seedling substrates.

Registration

Pre-registration is required. You can sign up via the following registration form or by contacting us at custodia@gobmenorca.com or +34 971 35 07 62.

This course is supported by Consell Insular de Menorca and Menorca Preservation.