Characterisation of the National Network of Silos and Granaries in Castilla y León, Spain: A Case Study

Manuel V. Fernández-Fernández, Víctor Marcelo (), José B. Valenciano and Ana B. González-Fernández
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Manuel V. Fernández-Fernández: Junta de Castilla y León, Consejería de Agricultura y Ganadería y Desarrollo Rural, 47014 Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
Víctor Marcelo: Departamento de Ingeniería y Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad de León, Avenida de Astorga s/n, 24001 Ponferrada, León, Spain
José B. Valenciano: Departamento de Ingeniería y Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad de León, Avenida de Portugal 41, 24071 León, León, Spain
Ana B. González-Fernández: Grupo de Investigación en Geomática e Ingeniería Cartográfica (GEOINCA), Escuela de Ingeniería Agraria y Forestal, Universidad de León, 24001 Ponferrada, León, Spain

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 4, 1-15

Abstract: In 1995, Spain’s National Network of Silos and Granaries was divided into a basic network and a secondary network. Of the total storage units identified, 541 are vertical units or silos forming part of the secondary network. Unlike the silos of the basic network, many of the secondary network silos, which were primarily reception units sited near the areas where the grain was grown, have been repurposed. This article describes a methodology developed to inventory silos based on their general features, construction and technological facilities, and its application to the 123 silos in the secondary network in the Spanish region of Castilla y León. The exercise was conducted in conjunction with a socioeconomic analysis of the communities where the silos are located. All the silos studied are located in the most productive areas and close to farms, have small storage capacities and include all but one silo typology, the transition macro-silo. Some are still used for grain storage, whilst others have been converted into multi-purpose warehouses, gymnasiums, community centres or other specialised facilities. Ideas for silo repurposing implemented in other regions of Spain and other countries might well be applied in Castilla y León. In addition, this methodology has proved useful to identify proposals that are viable in the more highly populated communities.

Keywords: agroindustrial buildings; industrial heritage; reuse; silo; storage unit (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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