Erosion in the Mediterranean: The Case of Olive Groves in the South of Spain (1752–2000)

Despite the key role that soil and its management have played in the sustainability of farming societies, few historical studies have been carried out on erosion and its effects. In Mediterranean agriculture, erosion from olive cultivation is currently one of the region's main environmental problems. This essay develops a case study from southern Spain to quantify soil loss in olive groves over three centuries, using empirical data and model analysis methods that enable us to distinguish between different levels of erosion throughout history. After identifying the main periods of soil erosion, we explore the social and institutional context of the region to explain the factors that changed management of olive groves and influenced soil losses. The main objective of this essay is to provide a historical perspective on soil erosion that considers social and institutional factors.