Exploring the Climate and Topography of Olive Orchards in Extremadura, Southwestern Spain

Abstract

The olive tree is a significant woody crop in the Mediterranean basin, with the primary olive-growing areas located in the south and southwest of the Iberian Peninsula. Climate plays a crucial role in crop distribution, viability, production, and yield. The climatic and topographical conditions of Extremadura in southwestern Spain, were analysed to characterise and group the olive-growing areas. To achieve this, a Geographic Information System (GIS) was developed to locate all registered olive tree plots. The orientations and elevations of these were analysed, along with the average, minimum, and maximum temperatures, precipitation, and frost for the period of 1990–2021. The study reveals that olive groves in Extremadura are primarily situated at elevations ranging from 200 to 600 m above sea level. Additionally, it was found that the least common orientation is towards the north. Temperatures are not a constraint for olive growing, except in the mountainous areas in the north of the region; however, rainfall can be a limiting factor. In fact, 50% of the olive-growing area receives less rainfall than is considered adequate for optimal production. Frost days and the low probability of severe frosts are not a problem for olive growing in this region, except in the highest parts of the region. The scale of this study, at plantation level, will enable the implementation of measures aimed at climate change adaptation and mitigation.