Agricultural Terms: Latifundio, Fishing, and More
Agricultural Terms Explained
Latifundio
A latifundio is a large land ownership, traditionally characterized by absentee ownership, extensive cultivation, low yields, and a large number of laborers facing severe seasonal unemployment and illiteracy.
Smallholder
Smallholder refers to small properties or farms. This can prevent competitive agriculture and tends to disappear or be mitigated through land consolidation policies.
Deep Sea Fishing
Deep sea fishing takes place in waters with fishing boats and
Read MoreKey Agricultural Terms: CAP, LEADER, and More
Key Agricultural Terms and Concepts
LEADER: European Project started in 1991 for rural areas affected by the conversion generated by the CAP. It provides grants to create innovative solutions targeted at areas that can serve as models to other areas.
CAP (Common Agricultural Policy): Established by the EU to place their products in international markets, moving from a situation of supply to another large surplus.
Maastricht Treaty: The EU Treaty which entered into force in 1993. In it, the European
Read MoreKey Factors Influencing Agricultural Spaces
Physical Factors of Agricultural Fields
- Sunny and Shady Slopes: Slope orientation affects sunlight exposure, influencing crop suitability.
- Rainfall: Optimal rainfall ranges between 900mm and 1200mm for many crops.
- Thermal Gradient: Temperature decreases approximately 6°C for every 100m increase in altitude.
- Wind Exposure: Strong winds can damage crops.
- Slope Inclination: Flat or gently sloping surfaces are easier to farm.
- Adverse Weather: Events like hail can cause catastrophic damage to crops.
- Soil:
Urban Areas: Definitions and Concepts
Key Urban Concepts and Definitions
Peri-urban or Suburban Area
An area with unclear boundaries, characterized by a mixture of rural lifestyles and the city.
Metropolitan Area
A large urban sprawl surrounding a major city, covering several municipalities with significant economic and social relations.
Historic Old Town
The urbanized part of a city from its origin to the 19th-century industrialization.
City
A population center of over 10,000 inhabitants (in Spain). It is characterized by a high density of
Read MoreMining, Energy Sources, and Industrial Production
What is Mining?
Mining is not only the extraction of raw materials (minerals) but also their treatment.
Types of Mining
There are several types of mining, including:
- Open-cast mine: The mineral is close to the surface.
- Underground mine: Minerals are deep below the Earth’s surface.
- Wells: Petroleum and natural gas are extracted through a vertical shaft.
- Seabed mine: Big companies explore the seabed with vehicles operated by remote control from a boat above the mine. They search for metals such as manganese,
Spain’s Agricultural Landscapes: Characteristics and Challenges
Agricultural Landscapes of Spain
Agricultural landscapes are the morphology of the agricultural area, a combination of the natural environment with agricultural activity. The agricultural landscape of the Mediterranean coastline includes a rugged terrain in the coastal plain and some pre-littoral areas. This area is characterized by agricultural traits, with a dispersed population and variable-sized farms. Land uses are mainly agriculture, with clear differences between rainfed and irrigated areas.
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