Carob Tree, a great natural ally against climate change

The European Carob tree, originally from southwestern Asia and now spread throughout the Levant Mediterranean, has become an ally of the environment due to its ability to act as a CO2 sink, its adaptability to dry climates, and its role in soil restoration and climate change mitigation along the Spanish Mediterranean coast, as reported by Agencia Soma Comunicación in a press release.

Thus, this tree, which has its main producer in Spain, with national harvests varying between 50,000 and 80,000 tons per year, according to the non-profit association Empresas Productoras de Agarroba (EiG), prevents desertification, flooding or forest fires.

In addition, a report issued by EiG reveals that the hardiness of the Carob Tree, its adaptation to an expanding agriculture, the increase in profitability of the new crops, its high productivity and the commercial prospects of the dried produce, turn this species into a crop alternative for certain dry lands and areas with scarce water resources. 

 

                                                                                                   

   On the other hand, Miguel Perez, promoter of the Ibiza Carob Company project and the re-launch of the native carob bean harvest of the island of Ibiza for the production of organic products, explained that the Carob Tree root system allows it to better absorb the subsoil water and become resistant to drought. 

Muñoz also added that it has "great fire resistance" because it accumulates less biomass than other trees and its leaves have low flammability, which delays ignition. 

Besides, he mentioned that the Carob Tree, currently considered a "superfood", is also used as a climate indicator, since in the areas where they grow, frosts are not usual, so they are also a guide for the planting of orange trees with the guarantee of economic performance.

Sources:    ecoticias.com - El Periodico Verde
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