Spain’s Diverse Agricultural Landscapes
Oceanic Agricultural Landscape
Located in the north and northwest of the Iberian Peninsula, this landscape is characterized by rugged terrain and a maritime climate. Plots are typically small and enclosed with hedges.
Land Uses
Land use is mainly livestock-focused, though many farms practice mixed land use, combining livestock with agricultural and forest areas.
Agriculture
- Specializes in garden crops for human consumption and fodder plants.
Livestock
- This is the most significant agricultural activity, thanks to abundant natural pastures.
- Mountain areas specialize in extensive beef cattle farming.
- Coastal areas near major urban centers are dominated by intensive dairy cattle farming (stabled or mixed systems).
- Both beef and dairy sectors often produce surpluses within the European Union market.
Interior Agricultural Landscape
This landscape is found on the Meseta Central (plateau) and in the Ebro Depression. Plots vary significantly in size.
Land Uses
Land uses are primarily agricultural.
Agriculture
There are significant contrasts between dryland and irrigated farming:
- Dryland: Features extensive cultivation of the traditional Mediterranean trilogy: wheat, vines, and olive trees.
- Irrigated Land: Primarily used for intensive cultivation of industrial crops (like tobacco) and vegetables, especially in the northern and southern sub-plateaus (Submeseta Nord and Sud).
Livestock
- The main activity is extensive sheep farming, utilizing cereal stubble for grazing.
- Pig and cattle farms are also common.
Mediterranean Agricultural Landscape
Located along the Mediterranean coast (littoral zone), the mainland Mediterranean areas, the Guadalquivir Valley, and the Balearic Islands. The physical environment is often mountainous near the coast, with a characteristic Mediterranean climate.
Plots tend to be small in irrigated areas and medium or large in dryland (upland) fields.
Land Uses
Land uses are predominantly agricultural.
Agriculture
Shows large contrasts between farming types:
- Dryland: Cereals, vines, and olive trees are commonly grown.
- Irrigated Land: Dominated by horticulture (both open-air and under plastic), citrus fruits, pome fruits (apples, pears), and, in areas with milder temperatures, tropical fruits.
Livestock
- Livestock farming is less important here compared to agriculture.
- In dryland areas, extensive farming prevails, with a predominance of sheep and goats.
Canary Islands Agricultural Landscape
Found in the Canary Islands, this landscape is shaped by a physical environment of rugged volcanic relief and a subtropical climate.
Plot sizes show contrasts, ranging from small properties in the mid-altitude areas (medianías) to large holdings on the coast.
Land Uses
Land uses are primarily agricultural.
Agriculture
- Coastal Agriculture: Has specialized in export-oriented monocultures like bananas, crops grown under plastic (e.g., cucumbers), and tropical fruits (papayas, avocados).
- Inland Agriculture: Subsistence polyculture is more common, centered on crops like vines, potatoes, and wheat.
Livestock
- Livestock farming plays a very small role overall.
- It predominantly involves extensive sheep and goat farming.
- Some intensive pig and poultry farming exists.
Rural Area Transformations
Spain’s rural areas are diversifying their traditional agricultural activities by introducing new ones. A notable trend is the increase in second homes used for weekends or holiday periods.
Consequences of New Uses
- Positive: These new uses provide additional income streams, which can help support the rural population and encourage people to remain in these areas.
- Negative: They can also have adverse consequences, such as increased land speculation, pressure on resources, and potential landscape degradation due to excessive development.