Essential Economic and Geographic Concepts

Agriculture Under Plastic

A cultivation system within appropriate enclosures designed to create an artificial microclimate, protecting plants from adverse weather conditions. *Example:* Almería.

Subsistence Agriculture

A type of traditional agriculture characterized by minimal capital investment, limited technology, and low use of fertilizers and machinery. It produces low yields primarily for self-consumption. *Example:* Interior of Galicia.

Sanded Crops

A cultivation technique where the ground is prepared with a layer of manure, then covered with sand. The sand filters and retains moisture from the manure, slowly releasing it back to the crops, and also acts as a fertilizer. It is primarily used for *tomatoes, melons, and strawberries*, especially in Huelva and Valencia.

Polyculture

A cropping system characterized by the cultivation of varied crops. This system is in decline as it hinders efficient marketing and mechanization. It is famously associated with *promiscuous Mediterranean agriculture*.

Land Conversion

Plans implemented by public authorities, including those under the *EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)*, to replace certain crops with others. This is typically based on profitability and adaptation to the area's climatic conditions.

Consumer Goods Industry

Industries producing goods directly consumed by citizens, such as *paper, appliances, and textiles*.

Equipment Industry

Industries producing goods necessary for the production of other goods, such as *lathes and shovels*.

Desertification

The process of soil erosion that removes the fertile surface layer, caused by human activities (e.g., *fires*) or natural factors. Prominent in Spain's Mediterranean area.

Peri-urban Areas

Areas located on the periphery of cities, often comprising satellite districts like *dormitory towns* and *industrial estates*, which are closely intertwined with the main urban center.

Holding Company

A model of industrial concentration, typically horizontal, where a company holds a controlling interest in other companies. *Examples:* RUMASA in Spain, and FININVEST (Berlusconi).

Extensive Livestock Farming

The practice of raising livestock herds in large, open spaces. It typically involves low investments in *manual labor and capital*.

Intensive Livestock Farming

The practice of raising livestock in enclosed spaces, such as farms. It requires significant capital investments. *Example:* Catalonia.

Afforestation

A forestry technique aimed at addressing excessive logging or forest fires by planting new trees. It can be undertaken for *commercial* or *ecological value* (e.g., planting climax species).

Technology Park

A designated area that brings together high-tech companies, training centers, and research institutions. *Example:* Paterna, Valencia.

Monoculture

An agricultural practice where only one crop species is cultivated, often for better yields, leading to specialization. A significant drawback is that it can lead to *soil erosion*. *Example:* Castilian cereal farming.

Import

The purchase of goods or services produced in a foreign country by a domestic buyer. Developed countries generally *import raw materials*.

Export

The sale of goods or services produced domestically to buyers in a foreign country. Developed countries typically *export medium-to-high technology products*.

Settlement Policy (Franco Era)

A policy implemented during the Franco regime, involving the establishment of new villages (settlements) to introduce irrigated crops. The most famous example was the *Plan Badajoz*. These policies had a limited overall impact.

Labor Force

The segment of the population that is of working age (typically *16-65 years old*) and either employed or actively seeking employment. It is divided into employed and unemployed individuals. In Spain, it constitutes approximately *48% of the population*.

Monopoly

A market situation where a single company has exclusive control over the supply of a particular product or service. *Examples:* Tabacalera (until recently) and Telefónica in Spain.