The secret of our soil: ramial wood mulch

Chipped young branches (often called Ramial Chipped Wood or RCW) are much more than a simple protective mulch. They are the key to bringing life back to our limestone soils.

Why use chipped wood?

Unlike traditional compost, this mulch is made from fine, young branches. This fresh wood is packed with nutrients and lignin, making it the favorite food of soil fungi. They break down the wood and slowly convert it into stable, rich humus.

What we see in the field:

1. Water retention: The soil holds moisture much better, which is vital during the dry summers of Pla de Martís.
2. Lighter soil: The ground no longer compacts under the hot sun or the weight of tractor wheels. The olive roots can finally breathe.
3. Return of biological life: Fungal networks (mycelium) have spread dramatically throughout the plots.

"We don't try to feed the tree directly; we feed the soil so that it can take care of the tree."

In a future post, we'll look at how this active soil directly influences the quality of our oil and its antioxidant levels.