Perspectives on irrigation in Galicia (NW Spain)

Abstract

Agriculture in Galicia has been linked to the development of basic products for animal feed, as well as to a subsistence economy of the population, covering the basic demands for food, without pursuing economic profitability or maximizing income. Until a few years ago, the climatic reality in Galicia has presented water requirements that were covered by the usual precipitation patterns, reducing the importance of irrigation in this territory. Although, the trend towards a change in precipitation patterns, together with the increase in temperatures, makes it necessary to address the incorporation of irrigation in Galician agriculture. Crops such as vineyards and horticultural production stand out, among others, where irrigation is already incorporated into their production systems. This chapter includes the contextualization of irrigation systems, focusing on a presentation in chronological order, from the past to the present, of the large irrigation infrastructures in Galicia. Finishing with an exposition of the future perspectives of the same, regarding the management of irrigation in private plots, and its relevance to make agriculture sustainable in Galicia.