Dr. J. A. Gómez is a soil expert with over 25 years of experience in cooperative research and large EU projects. He leads the Soil Erosion Laboratory at the Institute of Sustainable Agriculture, focusing on both fundamental and applied research to conserve soil and water in Mediterranean crops, particularly woody crops. Key skills and areas of research focus:
Erosion measurement, tracer usage; water balance modeling. Gully erosion modeling and control. Soil degradation and its role in agro-ecological systems. Soil management and cover crops.
Relevant publications include studies on cover crops in Mediterranean regions and soil erosion risk assessments: Soriano, M.A., …, Gómez, J.A. 2023. Field evaluation of selected autochthonous herbaceousspecies for cover crops in Mediterranean woody crops. European Journal of Agronomy, 143, 1126723. Biddoccu, M., …, Gomez, J.A. 2020. Evaluation of soil erosion risk and identification of soil cover and management factor (C) for RUSLE in European vineyards with different soil management. International Soil and Water Conservation Research 8: 337-353. Gómez, J.A., Sánchez Montero, A., Guzmán, G., Soriano, M.A. 2021. In-depth analysis of soil management and farmers’ perceptions of related risks in two olive grove areas in southern Spain. International Soil and Water Conservation Research 9: 461-473
Dr. Gómez is also the project coordinator for TUdi and SHUI (H2020), both of which are aimed at improving soil and water conservation practices.
- Projects that develop and implement erosion control measures designed to support and enhance local biodiversity. This could include using cover crops and vegetation to stabilize soil and promote diverse plant and animal communities. - Research aimed at integrating soil management practices with the preservation and enhancement of ecosystem services. Projects could focus on how soil conservation techniques, including the use of cover crops and reduced tillage, impact soil health, carbon storage, and overall ecosystem biodiversity. - Initiatives that investigate the relationships between soil erosion, soil health, and biodiversity in Mediterranean ecosystems. - Projects focusing on the restoration of habitats degraded by soil erosion. - Developing digital tools and methods for monitoring biodiversity in relation to soil conservation practices. - Projects that explore the interactions between climate change, soil erosion, and biodiversity