Agricultural and Environmental Terms Explained
Understanding Agricultural and Environmental Terms
Waters
It is that sea area over which the coastal countries exercise jurisdiction (the right to sovereignty) on the exploration, exploitation, conservation, and management of resources, both water and the seabed and subsoil. In 1982, the UN established its boundaries from the shoreline to 200 miles. Since then, Spain has negotiated fisheries agreements through the EU with other countries, as the national fishing grounds are insufficient for the demand for fish products.
Sharecropping
A system of indirect exploitation of the earth, particularly in tomato crops in Tenerife and Gran Canaria. The owner of the farm temporarily cedes land to a sharecropper in exchange for a share of the crop. The amount of the deal depends on local conditions and the contribution of the owner. This formula is still widespread in Canary sharecropping. The owner, who operated directly under the lands of the coast, more profitable, land ceded half of the middle, in order to provide for family consumption of part of the crop and livestock production. This form of exploitation also takes place in livestock and fisheries.
Leasing
A system of indirect exploitation of the earth. The owner gives temporary holding of their land to a tenant on payment of a fee or rent, either in cash, kind, or both at once, fixed in advance under contract.
Fishing Area
This is a proper space to immerse or cast fishing nets. In Spain, the national fisheries are overexploited by the action of the artisanal fleet and contaminated by urban and industrial discharges. Fishing outside these areas must take place through agreements with countries whose waters are found, which are underwritten by the European Union.
Enarenado
Good agricultural land consisting of crop cover with a thin layer of pyroclastic volcanic products (lava stones or pumice). This is achieved with a dual purpose: to retain moisture and intercept the direct sunlight, eliminating the effects of evaporation. This technique is particularly popular in Lanzarote and in municipalities in the south of the island of Tenerife.
Farm
Each agricultural production unit. A tract of land divided into one or more parcels, whether or not contiguous, but which together form part of the same technical and economic unit. Agricultural, livestock, or mixed forest products are obtained under the direction of an employer, regardless of tenure.
Renewable Energy Source
A finite resource that can produce work, then does not go away to generate energy and can be used indefinitely, such as the sun, water, wind, biomass, and the internal heat of the earth. Spain has a Renewable Energy Plan (PER) to encourage them to be clean, decentralized energy self-sufficiency and improve.
Livestock Feedlot (Intensive)
This refers to cattle kept in stables, feeding through feed, which uses selected breeds for various uses and modern milking techniques and insemination. Spain has increased these in the vicinity of large cities to tap the urban market.
Ranching
Cattle breeding based on feeding on grassland (cattle in the northern peninsula), in stubble (sheep and goats in many areas of Mediterranean climate cerealísticas), and pasture (cattle and swine for the peneplains of Zamora – Salamanca and Extremadura and Sierra Morena).
Irrigated Crop
A technique to give plants additional inputs of water input from rainfall, from rivers, lakes, reservoirs, or aquifers. Allows for intensive agriculture, high yields where rainfall is low and erratic, although problems such as the use of inappropriate techniques, overuse of water, and conflict with other activities that consume water can arise. The areas of Spain with more significant irrigation are the Mediterranean coast, the valleys of the Ebro and Duero, and Extremadura.
Rural Tourism
In addition to the tourist areas of sun and beach, in Spain, there are other attractions, highlighting rural tourism centers. This arises in connection with programs to support rural development by integrating complementary activities which aim to stimulate the land and improve housing, crafts, and traditions. Usually includes private accommodation and a range of leisure activities.