Regional Differences in Iberian Peninsula Agriculture and Land Use
Regional Agrarian Systems of the Iberian Peninsula
Northern Iberian Peninsula Agrarian Systems
Location: Northern and Northwestern Iberian Peninsula.
Physical Environment
- Rugged terrain and walking surfaces.
- Oceanic climate with high and regular rainfall.
Agrarian Structure
Population
- Aged and numerous population.
- Settlement is scattered, consisting of villages and towns.
Farms
- Dominated by smallholders (campesinos).
- Farms consist of small, scattered parcels, often enclosed.
Land Use and Agriculture
Agriculture occupies the available land, especially along the coast and in valleys.
Historical Practices
- In the past, polyculture was practiced, driven by the need for self-sufficiency.
Current Trends
- Tendency towards specialized agriculture, particularly in horticulture and fodder crops.
- In the interior, dry farming is scarce due to regular rainfall.
Livestock Farming
Livestock farming is highly important, favored by the climate and high demand for milk and meat. Cattle predominates.
Logging
Dedicated primarily to the furniture industry and paper production.
Interior Iberian Peninsula Agrarian Systems
Location: Peninsular Plateau and Ebro Depression.
Physical Environment
- Flat relief and high altitude.
- Continental Mediterranean climate with short periods of rainfall.
Agrarian Structure
Population
- Low and aging population due to emigration.
- Settlement is concentrated in small towns, spaced far apart.
Farms
- Small farms predominate in the Douro Valley and irrigated areas of the Ebro.
- Large properties (latifundia) characterize the dry farming areas of Aragon and Castilian Extremadura.
Land Use and Agriculture
Land use is dominated by agricultural and livestock farming.
Dry Farming (Secano)
- Dominates the barren plateau and non-irrigated areas of the Ebro Valley.
- Farming practices follow the Mediterranean trilogy: grain, vine, and olive.
Irrigation
Irrigation allows for intensive farming practices.
Livestock Farming
Important areas include the Castilian drylands and the Ebro Valley.
- Sheep (especially in Castile and León) and dairy cattle are significant.
- Western rangelands (Extremadura, Salamanca, Zamora, and Andalusia) feature large agro-livestock holdings.
Logging
Logging is characteristic of certain areas, such as the Pyrenean lands and Soria.
Mediterranean Iberian Peninsula Agrarian Systems
Location: Mediterranean littoral and pre-coastal areas, Guadalquivir Valley, and the Balearic Islands.
Physical Environment
- Rugged Mediterranean coast.
- Mountainous areas in pre-coastal regions; soft relief in the Guadalquivir Valley.
- Mediterranean climate with maritime influence; rainfall decreases towards the East (Levante).
Agrarian Structure
Population
- Reduced population due to rural exodus.
- Dispersed rural settlements show a tendency towards concentration.
Farms
- Farms are small in irrigated zones.
- Farms are medium-sized in dry zones.
Land Use and Agriculture
Land use is primarily agricultural.
Dry Crops (Secano)
Found in pre-coastal areas, mountainous regions of the Guadalquivir Valley, and interior Mallorca.
- Main crops include vine, olive, almond, and rice.
Irrigated Crops
Favored by intense sunlight, high temperatures, protection, and suitable relief.
- Dedicated to horticulture (open-air and plastic greenhouses).
- Cultivation of tropical fruits and traditional Mediterranean orchards.
Livestock Farming
- Cattle and swine farming are significant in Andalusia.
- Sheep farming is practiced in the drylands (Secanos) and the Guadalquivir Valley.
Logging
Logging holds short significance (low importance).