Agricultural and Livestock Landscapes in Spain
Agricultural Landscapes in Spain
Atlantic Spain
- Area: North and northwest.
- Physical Environment: Humid climate and rugged topography.
- Implications: Encourages livestock and forestry; agriculture is difficult.
- Habitat: Scattered.
- Agriculture: Rainfed mixed farming for peasant consumption and cattle fodder.
- Agrarian Property: Smallholdings.
- Livestock: Cattle.
- Forestry: Wood, cork, resin, and cellulose.
Inland Spain
- Area: The two plateaus and the Ebro depression.
- Physical Environment: High average altitude and Mediterranean climate.
- Habitat: Concentrated.
- Agriculture: Upland plateau and non-irrigated Ebro valley areas produce vines, cereals, and olives. Irrigation in the Duero, Ebro, Tajo, and Guadiana plains supports industrial crops, fodder, fruits, and vegetables.
- Livestock: Sheep and swine.
- Agrarian Property: Smallholdings in the Duero Valley and Ebro irrigation zones; large landholdings elsewhere.
- Forestry: Very low.
Mediterranean Spain
- Area: Mediterranean coastline, Guadalquivir valley, and the Balearic Islands.
- Physical Environment: Rugged terrain and mild climate with low rainfall.
- Habitat: Scattered.
- Agriculture: Intensive, modern irrigated agriculture has transformed dry lands in the Guadalquivir plains and rugged areas.
- Agrarian Property: Contrast between smallholdings and large estates.
- Livestock: Cattle, swine, and poultry.
Islands
- Physical Environment: Volcanic relief, warm climate, and low rainfall.
- Habitat: Concentrated in villages and farmhouses.
- Agriculture: Intensive crops, primarily bananas.
- Livestock: Minimal.
The Livestock Business
- Livestock tends to specialize in meat or milk production.
- Technology is progressively expanding.
- Extensive vs. Intensive Livestock:
- Extensive: Depends on the physical environment; fed outdoors in wet Spain or on stubble in dry Spain. Associated with indigenous breeds and traditional techniques.
- Intensive (Industrial): Wholly or partially fed with commercial feed. Located near urban centers using modern techniques.
Livestock Categories
- Cattle: Meat production in northern mountain areas and pastures (extensive) or Aragon and Castile and León (intensive). Milk production in the north (intensive) or near cities.
- Sheep: Located in the dry interior; extensive transhumance is practiced. Produces meat, milk, and wool.
- Pig Farming: Dedicated to fresh consumption and sausage production. Extensive (Iberian pig) in Extremadura and Murcia; intensive elsewhere. Faces global surplus challenges.
- Poultry: Produces meat and eggs. Located in intensive regimes in Catalonia and Aragon.