Restoration and soil management of degraded irrigated grasslands

This Practice Abstract presents the experience of the Ecopraderas and Alagón Grasslands Operational Groups in restoring and managing degraded irrigated grasslands in the Vegas del Alagón (Extremadura, Spain). Long-term gravity irrigation, soil compaction, low organic matter and soil acidity have reduced infiltration capacity, increased waterlogging and nutrient losses, and favoured the spread of the invasive grass Sporobolus indicus. The approach combines soil diagnosis, tailored fertilisation plans, gradual replacement of mineral fertilisers with organic amendments, improvement of irrigation infrastructure and scheduling, installation of vegetated filters in drainage areas and coordinated control of invasive hotspots. Monitoring integrates field surveys, laboratory analyses and a GIS-based web viewer to support spatial prioritisation. The strategy has contributed to reducing invasive pressure and lowering nitrate and phosphorus concentrations in drainage water, while promoting more resilient and productive grasslands. Continued multi-season monitoring is recommended to consolidate results and support wider adoption.