Impacts of Erosion on the Sustainability of Organic Olive Groves: A Case Study (Estepa Region, Southwestern Spain)

Antonio Alberto Rodríguez Sousa, Carlos Parra-López, Samir Sayadi-Gmada, Jesús M. Barandica and Alejandro J. Rescia
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Antonio Alberto Rodríguez Sousa: Biodiversity and Conservation Area, Department of Biology and Geology, Physics and Inorganic Chemistry, School of Experimental Sciences and Technology (ESCET), University Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), 28933 Madrid, Spain
Samir Sayadi-Gmada: Department of Agrifood System Economics, Institute of Agricultural and Fisheries Research and Training (IFAPA), Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Sustainable Development—Government of Andalusia, P.O. Box 2027, 18080 Granada, Spain
Jesús M. Barandica: Department of Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution (BEE), Faculty of Biological Sciences, University Complutense of Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain
Alejandro J. Rescia: Department of Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution (BEE), Faculty of Biological Sciences, University Complutense of Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 14, 1-20

Abstract: Spain has more than 2.5 M ha of olive groves, with 60% of this area (i.e., 1.5 M ha) concentrated in the region of Andalusia (Southern Spain). Assuming the socio-ecological characteristics of these crops, of which their contribution to ecosystemic services (ES) is fundamental for society, it is highly relevant to direct their management towards practices that guarantee their durability. Organic management of olive groves constitutes a multifunctional model that contributes to ensuring its sustainability and represents 2.4–3.5% of the olive grove area in Spain. Taking the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) Estepa (Southwestern Spain) as a study model, where organic olive groves are novel, a study of the impacts of erosion on the economic, social, and environmental factors associated with this management was carried out in addition to estimating its impacts. The results showed how organic management promotes edaphic fertility, keeping the levels of diffuse pollution under the legislative limits. Although the increase in erosion has negative effects on the sustainability/durability of agricultural holdings, organic management consolidates a sustainable model that satisfies farmers’ demands. Therefore, organic farming is a model that focuses on the correct use of natural resources associated with the geographical region of study, and contributes to increasing the sustainability of olive groves.

Keywords: biological diversity; common agricultural policy; ecosystem services; diffuse pollution; multifunctional agriculture; socio-ecosystems; soil fertility; soil loss (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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