Rural Landscapes, Agricultural Systems, and Historical Transformation

Rural Areas: Characteristics, Land Use & Economic Activities

Defining Rural Areas

• Predominantly rural areas are characterized by activities focused on obtaining raw materials.
• Features include lower population density and varying social ties (weak and stronger).
• Human interaction with the environment shapes habitat, leading to clustering of rural housing and diverse farm types.

Land Ownership & Agricultural Systems

• Large Land Estates: Extensive landholdings, often belonging to a single owner (e.g., latifundio).
• Minifundio: Small tracts of land, typically owned by one person.
• Land division systems, such as townships, historically influenced rural organization.

Agricultural Crop Types & Systems

• Mediterranean Polyculture: Diverse crops grown together, often with irregular, open boundaries (openfield) or closed, intensive systems (bocage).
• Irrigated Monoculture: Single crop type grown with intensive irrigation.
• Extensive Polyculture: Cultivars grown over large areas.
• Farming Systems:
  • Developed Country Agriculture: Often market-driven, involving multinational corporations and plantations.
  • Underdeveloped Farming Systems: Often subsistence-based.

Fisheries & Other Rural Economic Activities

• Fisheries: A vital food industry, providing raw materials.
  • Spanish Coastal Marine Fisheries: Contribute significantly (e.g., 2/3 of the catch).
  • Freshwater Fish Farms: Cultivating species like golden trout and salmon.
  • Saltwater Fisheries: Inshore (e.g., turbot) and offshore (factory ships, bottom trawling).
• Other Uses of the Sea & Land:
  • Minerals extraction.
  • Common salt production.
  • Electric means of communication infrastructure.

Historical Agricultural Transformation: The Agricultural Revolution

The 18th Century English Agricultural Revolution

• Marked a shift from traditional farming practices characterized by small plots and the openfield system with freely grazing cattle.

Key Innovations & Changes

• Norfolk System: Replaced the three-year rotation and fallow periods, improving soil fertility.
• Soil Management: Drainage and use of chemical fertilizers.
• Seed Selection: Organic seed selection for improved yields.
• New Farming Equipment: Replaced older tools.
• Land Enclosure: Fencing laws and Enclosure Acts led to larger, fenced plots.
• New Crops: Introduction of potatoes, carrots, corn, and turnips.

Consequences of the Revolution

• Increased production of forage crops like alfalfa.
• Overall increased food production.
• Decreased concentration of small landowners, leading to rural exodus.
• Shift of land ownership and power to the ruling class.

Regional Agricultural Landscapes of the Iberian Peninsula

Atlantic Agricultural Landscapes

• Characterized by a mild climate and rugged, wet terrain.
• Features a closed habitat with scattered smallholder farms.
• Common crops include tree crops, fruits, forage, corn, beans, and potatoes.

Interior Peninsula Agricultural Landscapes

• Extends across regions like the Two Castiles and the Ebro Valley.
• Climate features hot summers and cold winters with rainfall shortages.
• Dominated by open fields and concentrated habitats.
• Primary agriculture includes rainfed cereals, olives, and vines.
• Livestock breeding focuses on cattle and sheep.

Mediterranean Agricultural Landscapes

• Includes regions like the Guadalquivir Valley and the Balearic Islands.
• Climate features mild winters and rainy summers (Balearic Islands).
• Characterized by few scattered habitats.
• Features intensive irrigated agriculture in coastal gardens and greenhouses.
• Key crops include citrus fruits.
• Minor non-agricultural uses include grasslands and granges.