Between 25th August and 5th September 2025, Alessia Castellan visited the Agrifood Research and Technology Centre of Aragon (CITA) to explore sustainable methods for medicinal and aromatic plant (MAP) production. Her mission integrated hands-on fieldwork and laboratory analysis directly linked to the QDPAM project, which focuses on fertilization, irrigation, and weed management.
Fieldwork formed a major component of the mission. Alessia toured trial sites in Aula Dei and Graus to evaluate crop management techniques for sage, lemon balm, rosemary, wormwood, and oregano. During these visits, she assessed mechanical weeding machinery and explored sustainability solutions, such as using leftover distillation materials as organic mulch. The team also reviewed the GESTES project's use of drones to monitor wild plant populations.
In the laboratory, Alessia developed practical skills in extracting essential oils using steam distillation via a Clevenger apparatus. She also conducted soil analyses to measure ammonium and nitrate levels using spectrophotometry, a technique that uses light absorption to measure chemical concentrations.
By presenting Laimburg's research in a collaborative seminar, Alessia helped strengthen ties between the two institutions. This successful knowledge exchange directly supports shared European goals by harmonizing research methodologies and enhancing sustainable MAP cultivation practices.
Further Information
Contact
Alessia Castellan, Research Centre Laimburg
Link:
- weedingmaps.eu: Grants
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