Lorraine Williamson
Spain’s agricultural sector faces a growing challenge due to climate change, particularly in its vast, water-scarce interior regions. With more frequent droughts and dwindling water supplies, the country is looking to alternative farming methods to sustain its agricultural practices.
One approach that is gaining traction is dry farming, a centuries-old method that is being revived in various parts of Spain as a means to both conserve water and restore biodiversity.
Restoring ecosystems with dry farming
Historically, Spain’s rural landscapes were characterised by dry farming, where crops were cultivated without irrigation. Over the last few decades, however, intensive irrigation systems have replaced many of these traditional fields. This shift has resulted in the overuse of water resources and damage to natural ecosystems.
The Secanos Vivos project, led by SEO/BirdLife, aims to reverse this trend by reintroducing dry farming in five Spanish regions:
- Castilla y León
- Castilla-La Mancha
- Extremadura
- Aragón
- Andalucia
The initiative involves over 500 hectares of land and focuses on restoring biodiversity alongside agricultural production.
A holistic approach to farming and conservation
Juan Francisco López, a project technician with Secanos Vivos, explains that the initiative goes beyond farming. The aim is to restore ecosystems that were lost when dry fields were replaced by irrigated monocultures. Secanos Vivos strives to create sustainable habitats for wildlife while preserving Spain’s agricultural heritage.
The project combines agricultural techniques with climate adaptation strategies and conservation efforts, demonstrating that farming can coexist with a healthy environment.
The shift towards water-intensive crops
Since the mid-20th century, Spain has seen a dramatic shift in its agricultural practices. Many traditional dry-farmed plots were converted to irrigated lands producing water-intensive crops like maize, rice, citrus fruits, and avocados. While these crops are commercially profitable, they place tremendous pressure on the country’s water resources, particularly in regions already affected by desertification and biodiversity loss.
Understanding dry farming and its benefits
Dry farming (secano) is the practice of cultivating crops without irrigation during dry periods, relying solely on the moisture stored in the soil from previous rainfall. This technique is particularly suitable for crops like olives, almonds, grapes, and cereals, which thrive in Spain’s dry, Mediterranean climate. By conserving water and requiring minimal external inputs, dry farming offers a sustainable and resilient alternative to traditional irrigation methods.
Practical solutions on the ground
The Secanos Vivos project has been testing several measures to enhance both biodiversity and crop productivity on participating farms. These include:
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Replanting native vegetation: Farmers are planting drought-resistant plants along field borders, providing food and shelter for wildlife.
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Ecological infrastructure: Artificial ponds and bird nesting boxes are being introduced to attract pollinators and beneficial insects, boosting ecosystem health.
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Sustainable soil management: Farmers are reducing chemical use and improving soil health, resulting in better crop yields.
Wine production as a success story
Some farms in the Secanos Vivos project are vineyards, with one notable example being La Bodega de las Estrellas in Valdepeñas. Dionisio de Nova, the winemaker, reports that the biodiversity-focused approach has helped the vineyard withstand extreme weather events such as drought and heavy rainfall. This success demonstrates the potential of dry farming to increase climate resilience in Spain’s agricultural sector.
The future of dry farming in Spain
Secanos Vivos has a budget of €2.5 million and aims to demonstrate that dry farming can be a viable and profitable method for tackling both climate change and biodiversity loss. As Spain faces increasing environmental pressures, projects like this offer hope for creating a more sustainable and resilient agricultural landscape.
Dry farming is not only a way to conserve water; it is also a pathway to restoring ecosystems and preserving traditional agricultural practices. By combining farming with environmental conservation, Spain could pave the way for a new, climate-resilient agricultural model that benefits both farmers and the environment.