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Science et changements planétaires / Sécheresse

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Trois années de sécheresse sur les terrains d’irrigation du Guadiana (Espagne) Volume 1, issue 4, Décembre 1990

Author
Université d’Estrémadure, Ecole de Génie Rural, Avenue Europa 5, 06004 Badajoz, Espagne.
  • Page(s) : 260-4
  • Published in: 1990

The irrigated lands of the middle basin of the Guadiana River in Badajoz (Spain) with a surface of about 120 000 has suffered from a severe drought in the years 1979 to 1983. Thanks to the large reservoir capacity of the dams it was possible to avoid stopping irrigation during the years 80 to 82, but during the summer of 83 the farmers received only 900 m3 water/ha during the whole irrigation campaign. Various measures were taken by the administration and the farmers with a view to using the water better and reducing the strong economic impact in an area mainly based on agriculture. The change of crops from maïze to sunflower was not permanent and another traditional crop, tomato, has recovered since its original extension.