Agricultural Terms and Irrigation Methods in Spain

Direct tenure

Direct tenure: The regime of possession is the degree of dominion over the land. Direct tenure occurs when the farm owner and the operator are the same person. In Spain it is the predominant regime.

Indirect ownership scheme

Indirect ownership scheme: This means the owner grants the use of the land to another person in exchange for a percentage of the crop or payment of rent.

Irrigation blanket

Irrigation blanket: A synthetic fabric capable of absorbing 3 liters of water per square meter. It prevents rapid water loss, allowing plants to absorb water by capillary action. It slightly increases humidity and prevents the passage of waste into the hopper, acting as a filter. Its use is widespread at the professional level (plant production, propagation and maintenance); it is a very economical product that provides high performance.

Sprinkling (sprinkler irrigation)

Sprinkling: With this method water is applied to the ground as rain using devices that emit water called sprinklers, generating a stream of sprayed water in droplets. The water leaves the sprinkler under pressure and reaches the sprinklers through a pipe network whose complexity and length depend on the size and configuration of the land to be irrigated. Therefore, a key feature of this system is that water must be supplied under pressure to the parcels being irrigated by a pumping system. The arrangement of sprinklers is performed so as to wet the entire surface of the soil as homogeneously as possible.

Drip irrigation

Drip irrigation: Also known as micro-irrigation, it is a method used in arid areas that allows optimal use of water and fertilizers. Water applied by this method infiltrates into the plant roots directly, irrigating the root zone through a piping system and emitters (drippers).

Upland

Upland: Land under cultivation that has no irrigation and receives only rainwater.

Padding (mulching)

Padding: The term used in gardening and agriculture to refer to the protective cover that extends over the soil, primarily to modify the effects of the local microclimate. A wide variety of materials, both natural and synthetic, are used for this purpose.

Part-time farming

Part-time farming: Combining employment in agriculture or livestock with work in industry, construction, or services. It is a widespread phenomenon, especially on smaller farms, and in some cases it is practiced as a pastime or hobby or to supplement another income.

Aquaculture

Aquaculture: The set of activities, cultivation techniques and knowledge related to aquatic plants and animals. It is an important economic activity for food production, raw materials and pharmaceutical and industrial uses, as well as for restocking and ornamentation.

Agrociudades

Agrociudades: Population centers whose activities are mainly agricultural, although their size can vary.