The Municipal Nursery of Catamarca and the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences of the National University of Catamarca (UNCa) are developing an agroecological winter garden aimed at supplying community dining rooms.
The project combines teaching, research, and extension, allowing Agronomy Engineering students to conduct comprehensive practices from the production of seedlings to transplantation in the municipal premises.
Professors and engineers José Plaza, Sixto Viale, and Andrés Pizarro explained that leafy vegetables such as chard and lettuce, as well as aromatic species, are cultivated.
Irrigation is carried out through a drip system that uses well water, applying techniques free of synthetic products and prioritizing bio-inputs.
Recommendations for neighbors facing winter
The head of the nursery, Eduardo Brizuela del Moral, shared practical advice for those who care for gardens or orchards:
- Strategic irrigation: maintain just the right humidity to avoid frost damage. The “friable point” indicates the appropriate level.
- Nocturnal protection: cover sensitive plants with plastics or thermal blankets at night and uncover them in the sun.
- Care of aromatic plants: species like rosemary require little watering and often die from excess water.
- Location of ornamentals: place tropical or sensitive plants under large trees or in semi-covered spaces.
Municipal reforestation programs
The nursery participates in initiatives such as “In Your Neighborhood”, which donates about 150 ornamental plants and trees to neighbors weekly. Additionally, tree planting on sidewalks is promoted during autumn and winter, ideal times to multiply species by cuttings or twigs (roses, willows, poplars).
Role of municipal nurseries in Argentina
The municipal nurseries are engines of urban green infrastructure and fulfill key functions:
- Infrastructure and reforestation: they plan public tree planting with species adapted to each region.
- Climate action and biodiversity: they conserve native flora, mitigate heat islands, and absorb carbon dioxide.
- Environmental education: they function as living classrooms for schools and neighbors.
- Civic participation: they provide seedlings and trees to encourage environmental care.
Highlighted networks and programs
- Argentine Network of Municipalities against Climate Change (RAMCC): uses local nurseries to reduce the carbon footprint.
- National Parks Nursery Program: coordinates conservation and restoration at the national level.
- Local management: municipalities like CABA, Gualeguaychú, or Corrientes implement tree planting and delivery campaigns.
The agroecological garden of Catamarca reflects how the collaboration between universities and municipalities can generate multiple benefits: academic training, social supply, and strengthening of green infrastructure.
Municipal nurseries are consolidated as strategic spaces to face climate change, promote biodiversity, and encourage civic participation in building more sustainable cities.
