Get to know... Sandra Martins

My scientific activity is mainly focused on studying and implementing sustainable practices to improve crop resilience and competitiveness, under changing climate conditions. Focusing particularly on Mediterranean agroecosystems, such as olive trees and grapevines, the effectiveness of these strategies is assessed through plant physiological, biochemical, and agronomic responses, and soil quality indicators. A significant part of the work is conducted in partnership with stakeholders, to ensure the transfer of scientific knowledge and promote the development of sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural systems. 

During my PhD, I explored the role of several sustainable soil management practices in rainfed olive orchards. The main findings of this research contributed to a holistic understanding of how these practices influence soil health, olive tree performance, and the quality of olive fruits and oil. 

I am an integrated member at the Centre for Research and Agro-Environmental and Biological Technologies (CITAB) and of the associated laboratory Inov4Agro, where I work with multidisciplinary teams, with the common goal of fostering more competitive and sustainable agrarian value chains, resilient to climate change.