Chapter 17 - Bioclimatology and botanical resources for sustainable development

Abstract

Advances in the science of bioclimatology can serve as the basis for a proper and better knowledge regarding the functional aspect of plants, communities, and populations. Detail in-depth study of various indices of bioclimatology establishes relationship between the crop and its associated indices values. However, lack of database in relation to climatological elements makes the application of formulas more difficult and thus the indicators of thermoclimatic and ombroclimatic become essential. In this work, we carry out a bioclimatic study of the southern Iberian Peninsula and relate it to certain crops and with the main olive varieties present in these territories. We also determine the values for some of the following important cultivation indicators: continentality index (Ic), which defines the yearly thermal range and can be used to establish the period of vegetative activity (PAV); ombrothermic index (Io), which measures the ombrotype in the station; and thermicity and compensated thermicity index (It/Itc), which indicate the thermotype in the territory. We also propose a method to optimize agricultural yields and minimize economic and environmental costs, making it ideal for sustainable development. On the basis of this method, the relation between the cultivated species (olive) and its bioclimatic character apply the knowledge of the physical, biogeographic, and bioclimatic factors and vegetation series in order to propose a certain crop. In the case of olive cultivation, all varieties move between the dry and subhumid ombroclima, and in the thermo-mesomediterranean thermoclimate, with the optimum value of Io close to 3.6, and the It/Itc values between 220 and 450.We can also generate preventive risk models to reduce water use. In this specific case, we have selected two from among all the weather stations studied to obtain bioclimatic diagrams. The regulation period (Pr) in the Jodar weather station is shorter than in the Villanueva del Arzobispo station, so the dry period (Ps) is longer in the first, meaning that irrigation must begin earlier, which implies a greater consumption of water and energy. In short, cultivation in the Villanueva del Arzobispo station is more sustainable than in the Jodar station. Bioclimatology is a basic science for sustainability by allowing optimal development of botanical species.