East Spain Research Articles

Chemical characterization of traditional varietal olive oils in East of Spain

The aim of this work has been to characterize the chemical composition of the eight most emblematic varietal olive oils from the West of the Mediterranean Sea. These were classified into two groups according to the International Olive Council (IOC norms): Sweet oils (Farga, Morruda and Serrana) which were compared with Arbequina as standard of the Spanish sweet oils; and bitter–spicy oils (Alfafara, Blanqueta, and Villalonga) that were compared with Picual, considered as the standard of the bitter–spicy olive oils. For the study, sampled trees were chosen in their geographically separated originating areas. They were cultivated in the traditional conditions. The variety of each sampled tree was previously identified by the International Union for the Protection of new Varieties for Plants (UPOV TG/99/4). We have attempted to find differences between these varieties based on their fatty acid and sterol components. Although our results of only the sterols in olive oils suggested that stigmasterol could allow the segregation of the varieties, our experience indicates that analysis of the main fatty acids (palmitic, oleic and linoleic), together with a PCA applied to all fatty acids and sterols, can be used to validate the varietal determinations with enough precision. In addition, α-tocopherol can be used as differentiator in bitter–spicy oils.

Islamicization or Islamicizations? Expansion of Islam and social practice in the Vega of Granada (south-east Spain)

This study strives to understand Islamicisation from a social point of view, rather than related only to the religious conversion or to a set of specific Islamic material manifestations. A historical context is considered as a case study. The period of the Islamicisation in the Vega of Granada (south east Spain) lasted from the 8th to the 11th centuries CE. The process of social change in this context is described using a combination of historical and archaeological sources, and then insights are made on the relation of such changes with the form of Islam that was adopted. The results point to two distinctive periods that are related with a different form of Islam and therefore, arguably, with two different islamicisations.

Ecological gradients and landscape structure affecting seasonal woodpigeon Columba palumbus densities in a coastal region (South- East Spain)

Gradients écologiques et structure du paysage affectant les densités saisonnières du Pigeon ramier Columba palumbus en zone côtière dans le Sud-Est de l’Espagne. Le but de cet étude est d’identifier et d’évaluer le lien entre la densité de Pigeon ramier (Columba palumbus, Linnaeus, 1758) et différents gradients environnementaux, l’occupation du sol et la structure du paysage, en utilisant des outils issus des systèmes d’information géographiques et de la modélisation multivariée. Des transects (n = 396) ont été développés pour estimer la densité du Pigeon ramier dans la région de Marina Baja (Alicante, Espagne) de 2006 à 2008. C’est en septembre-octobre que la densité de Pigeons ramiers était la plus élevée (1,28 oiseaux/ 10 ha) et en février-mars qu’elle était la plus basse (0,34 oiseaux/ 10 ha). En outre, il y avait plus de Pigeons ramiers dans les zones avec un thermotype mésoméditerranéen que dans celles de types thermoméditerranéen ou supraméditerranéen. Les densités les plus élevées ont été observées dans des zones intermédiaires par rapport à la côte et à l’arrière-pays. C’est dans une matrice paysagère naturelle, caractérisée par des densités variables de pins, qu’ont été observées les densités les plus fortes de l’espèce (1,53 individus/ 10 ha). Par conséquent, il est très important de conserver ces paysages traditionnels avec les stratégies de gestion adéquates afin de maintenir les populations de cette palombe. Ces espaces naturels sont des lieux semi-ouverts où les pigeons trouvent de la nourriture et peuvent surveiller la présence de prédateurs. Ainsi, cette étude permettra une connaissance plus précise des facteurs écologiques qui interviennent dans la répartition du Pigeon ramier en zone méditerranéenne.

Polimorfismos genéticos como indicadores de la vulnerabilidad individual a la adicción al tabaco

Background and objectivesIn line with genetic and pharmacological studies suggesting that neurotransmitter pathways play a role in nicotine dependence, research was conducted in connection with 4 genetic polymorphisms: OPRM1, TPH1, ADRA2A and HTR1B. This study compares the genotype and allele frequencies in 3 groups (non-smokers, former smokers and smokers) of unrelated individuals (n=490) from Catalonia (north east Spain) in order to find any relationship. Material and methodsAll polymorphisms were genotyped in each population group and statistical analysis was performed. ResultsData obtained show that there is a relationship between sex, age and the TPH1 locus, indicating a trend towards a lower frequency of the AA genotype in former smokers for the TPH1 locus. ConclusionsThe results indicate that a role is played by the TPH1 polymorphism as an indicator of therapeutic failure in smoking cessation.

Trends of particulate matter (PM<sub>2.5</sub>) and chemical composition at a regional background site in the Western Mediterranean over the last nine years (2002–2010)

Abstract. The time variability and long term trends of PM2.5 (particulate matter of diameter < 2.5 μm) at various regional background (RB) sites across Europe are studied and interpreted in this work. Data on mean annual levels of PM2.5 measured at Montseny (MSY, North East Spain) and various RB sites in Spain and Europe are evaluated and compared, and subsequently analysed for statistically significant trends. The MSY site registered higher average PM2.5 levels than those measured at a selection of other RB sites across Spain, Portugal, Germany and Scandinavia by percentage compared to the mean of all the stations in these countries, but lower than those measured in Switzerland, Italy and Austria. Reductions in PM2.5 were observed across all stations in Spain and Europe to varying degrees (7–49%). MSY underwent a statistically significant reduction since measurements began, indicating a year-on-year gradual decrease (−3.7 μg m−3, calculated from the final year of data compared to the mean). Similar trends were observed in other RB sites across Spain (−1.9 μg m−3). Reductions recorded in PM2.5 across Europe were varied, with many experiencing gradual, year-on-year decreases (−1.8 μg m−3). These reductions have been attributed to various causes: the introduction and implementation of pollution abatement strategies in EU member states, the effect of the current economic crisis on emissions of PM2.5 and the influence of meteorology observed during the winters of 2009 and 2010. In addition, the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), a large scale meteorological phenomenon most prevalent during winter, was observed to influence the frequency of Saharan dust intrusions across the Iberian Peninsula. Chemical composition of PM2.5 at MSY is characterised by high levels of organic matter (OM) and sulphate, followed by crustal material, nitrate and ammonia. Sea Spray and elemental carbon (EC) comprised a minor part of the total PM2.5 mass. Statistical trend analysis was performed on the various chemical components of PM2.5 recorded at MSY to determine which components were accountable for the decrease in PM2.5 concentration. It is shown that OM underwent the largest decrease over the time period with a statistically significant trend (−1.3 μg m−3 compared to the mean), followed by sulphate (−0.8 μg m−3), ammonium (−0.5 μg m−3) and nitrate (−0.4 μg m−3). Conversely, sea spray, EC and crustal material reductions were found to be negligible.

Changes in Semi-Arid Plant Species Associations along a Livestock Grazing Gradient

In semi-arid ecosystems, vegetation is heterogeneously distributed, with plant species often associating in patches. These associations between species are not constant, but depend on the particular response of each species to environmental factors. Here, we investigated how plant species associations change in response to livestock grazing in a semi-arid ecosystem, Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park in South East Spain. We established linear point-intercept transects at four sites with different grazing intensity, and recorded all species at each point. We investigated plant associations by comparing the number of times that each pair of species occurred at the same spatial point (co-occurrences), with the expected number of times based on species abundances. We also assessed associations for each shrub and grass species by considering all their pairs of associations and for the whole plant community by considering all pairs of associations on each site. At all sites, the plant community had a negative pattern of association, with fewer co-occurrences than expected. Negative association in the plant community increased at maximum grazing intensity. Most species associated as expected, particularly grass species, and positive associations were most important at intermediate grazing intensities. No species changed its type of association along the grazing gradient. We conclude that in the present plant community, grazing-resistant species compete among themselves and segregate in space. Some shrub species act as refuges for grazing-sensitive species that benefit from being spatially associated with shrub species, particularly at intermediate grazing intensities where positive associations were highest. At high grazing intensity, these shrubs can no longer persist and positive associations decrease due to the disappearance of refuges. Spatial associations between plant species and their response to grazing help identify the factors that organize plant communities, and may contribute to improving management of semi-arid ecosystems.

Determination and occurrence of organic micropollutants in reverse osmosis treatment for advanced water reuse

The growing demand on water resources has increased the interest in wastewater reclamation for multiple end-use applications such as indirect and direct potable reuse. In these applications, the removal of organic micropollutants is of a greater concern than in conventional wastewater treatment. This article presents a collection of data of trace organic micropollutants in an urban wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in North East Spain using reverse osmosis (RO) membrane treatment. The RO rejection values of the organic molecules studied with a wide range of solute size and hydrophobicity were determined. Several chromatographic methods monitoring different endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) were used. Results indicated that secondary effluents from this Spanish WWTP contained most of the studied organic compounds indicating incomplete removal of organics in the conventional treatment of the plant. However, the rejection of most micropollutants was high for all three RO membrane types (low energy, high rejection, fouling resistant) tested. It was observed that some selected micropollutants were less efficiently removed (e.g. the small and polar and the more hydrophobic) and the molecular weight and membrane material influenced removal efficiencies.

Biodrying as a biological process to diminish moisture in gardening and harvest wastes

Biodrying is a process that consists in reducing the moisture content of different organic wastes to obtain a useful product, such as fuel, or as a previous step to landfilling. This is achieved by using the heat generated in the aerobic fermentation of organic compounds. The main parameters that control the process are aeration, the temperature reached in fermentation and the initial level of moisture. In this work, the substrate was composed of agricultural harvest and gardening waste from an area in the east of Spain. The biodrying process was carried out in a greenhouse, where both the heat generated in the fermentation and the heat of the sun were used. In order to promote aeration, two factors were taken into account: One was the capacity of the shredded prunings to act as a bulking agent, and the other one was a perforated floor, which allowed air to pass through. An air outlet was installed at the top of the greenhouse to promote the “chimney effect.” With this setup, drying times of 12–30 days were achieved (depending on the month), together with volume reductions greater than 50 %. The time of the trial has been assessed when the waste has received 75 kW/m2 by insolation. The final waste with a low level of moisture (7–15 %) had a heating value suitable for use as fuel (around 15,000 kJ/kg).

El paradigma intencional en la evaluación ciudadana de la administración local. La utilidad frente al bienestar

In the last years, one can find a renewed interest in the citizen´s assessment of local services. This article examines the possibility of applying the so called intentional paradigm to this field. The paradigm is based on the theory of reasoned action and it links service evaluation to the citizen´s political intention within the same explanatory mechanism. nevertheless, this mechanism has been formulated in two rival versions, “satisfaction” and “service value”. The purpose of this paper is to determine which of these models works better in the assessment of local services. Using empirical data collected in nine cities from the east of spain, a secondary analysis was applied using structural equation models in order to find out the most plausible mechanism (utility versus wellbeing) that explains the formation of favorable attitudes towards local entities.

The use of experimental data and their uncertainty for assessing ozone photochemistry in the Eastern Iberian Peninsula

Observation-based methods are useful tools to explore the sensitivity of ozone concentrations to precursor controls. With the aim of assessing the ozone precursor sensitivity in two locations: Paterna (suburban) and Villar del Arzobispo (rural) of the Turia river basin in the east of Spain, the photochemical indicator O3/NOy and the Extent-of-Reaction (EOR) parameter have been calculated from field measurements. In Paterna, the O3/NOy ratio varied from 0 to 13 with an average value of 5.1 (SD 3.2), whereas the averaged value for the EOR was 0.43 (SD 0.14). In Villar del Arzobispo, the O3/NOy ratio changed from 5 to 30 with a mean value of 13.6 (SD 4.7) and the EOR gave an averaged value of 0.72 (SD 0.11). The results show two different patterns of ozone production as a function of the location. The suburban area shows a VOC-sensitive regime whereas the rural one shows a transition regime close to NOx-sensitive conditions. No seasonal differences in these regimes are observed along the monitoring campaigns. Finally, an analysis of the influence of the measurement quality of NOy, NOx and O3 on the uncertainty of the O3/NOy ratio and the EOR was performed showing that the uncertainty of O3/NOy is not dependent on either its value or the individual values of O3 and NOy but just on the quality of O3 and NOy measurements. The maximum uncertainty is 26% as long as the combined uncertainties of O3 and NOy remain below the 7.5%. The case of the EOR is different and its uncertainty depends on both the value of the EOR parameter and the individual concentration values of NOy and NOx. The uncertainty of the EOR estimation can be very high (>200%) if the combined uncertainties of both NOy and NOx are high (>7.5%), or especially, if u(NOy) and u(NOx) differ considerably from each other (>3.5%).

FT-IR spectroscopy reveals that ash water repellency is highly dependent on ash chemical composition

After a fire, an ash layer is commonly present, which influences soil properties and hillslope hydrology. The wettability of ash, which can vary from highly absorbent to water repellent, is an important characteristic in this context. Recent work has suggested that ash wettability is related to its degree of combustion, which in turn, can be expected to determine ash chemical composition. In this paper we therefore examine the relationship between ash water repellency and ash chemical composition. Ten ash samples with different wettability were each taken from four burned Mediterranean forest sites located at Albaida (A), Llíber (L), Navalón (N), and Pinoso (P), in the east of Spain. The persistence of water repellency of samples was assessed by the Water Drop Penetration Time (WDPT) test and Fourier Transform-Infrared (FT-IR) analysis was applied to characterise sample chemical composition. Ash water repellency varied from wettable to severely water repellent and differed in terms of maximum WDPT and number of water repellent samples within the four locations. In all FT-IR spectra obtained, the absorbance bands assigned to organic matter and carbonates were dominant. They are subject to change during progressive combustion. The ratios of relevant peak areas were calculated, i.e. between aliphatic bands in the 3000–2800 cm− 1 region, other organic matter bands in the 1800–1200 cm− 1 region, and of the calcite band at 875 cm− 1. These ratios are related to organic matter and calcite contents in ash samples and proved to be closely linked to the measured WDPT values through an exponential relationship. Organic matter content in all water repellent ash samples was more than twice the carbonate content. From the results obtained it is concluded that the water repellency or wettability of wildfire ash is driven by the ratio of remaining organic matter to emerging carbonates, which in turn, is related to fire severity.

Survival of Wild Adults ofCeratitis capitata(Wiedemann) under Natural Winter Conditions in North East Spain

The overwintering of the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly),Ceratitis capitata(Wiedemann) at the northern limits of its geographic distribution is not yet well known. With the aim of estimating the survival rate of medfly adults in northeast Spain under natural winter conditions, a two-winter-season trial was carried out. A control was carried out in a climatic chamber at 25°C. The results showed that medfly adults were unable to survive the entire winter season in the Girona area. Climatic conditions, including the daily minimum temperature, daily maximum temperature and the high rainfall, appeared to be involved in adult mortality in winter.

Abundancia de ginetas (Genetta genetta) en un encinar mediterráneo. Estimación mediante trampeo fotográfico

Knowledge of the population dynamics of Iberian carnivores is still poor, despite the importance of this knowledge in the proper management of the environment. Camera-trapping has evolved greatly and has expanded as a detection method and for obtaining biological and ecological parameters of carnivores, because it is widely applicable and non-invasive. This technique has been successfully used in a variety of species for census and to establish relative abundance. In the present study, our results provide estimates of the density of genets by camera-trapping in a typical Mediterranean forest dominated by oaks (Quercus ilex) and small patches of Aleppo (Pinus halepensis), Scots (Pinus sylvestris) and black pine (Pinus nigra salzmannii) on a limestone substrate. During the summer of 2008 sampling was conducted in the Sant Llorenç del Munt i L’Obac Natural Park, located in the province of Barcelona, north east Spain. A total of 12 camera traps, arranged in a grid, worked simultaneously for 6 weeks. Each week, we checked the proper functioning of the equipment and renewed the bait (tuna cans with vegetable oil). The effective sampling effort was 418 trapdays and 705 photographs were obtained of 494 animals, including 17 of genets. Applying the methodology for estimating densities and using photographic capture-recapture data we obtained densities of 0.64± 0.19 individuals/km2 by the estimator M0 and 0.85± 0.27 genets/km2 with Mh estimator. Considering these results, camera-trapping appears to be the optimal method for estimating densities and recording other aspects of the ecology of carnivores which are easily identified by photographic records, such as the genet.

Seasonal progression of bud dormancy in apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) in a Mediterranean climate: A single-node cutting approach

The progression of the dormancy of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) vegetative and reproductive buds in the summer–winter period (June–March) was analysed with the single-node cutting method during two consecutive years in a Mediterranean climate. The progression of the mean time to budbreak (MTB) was studied. Low MTB values were obtained, which show endodormancy intensity under climatic conditions in the South East of Spain only reached a shallow level in apricot. The onset of bud dormancy occurred prior to the advent of chilling accumulation. Although an oscillating pattern on dormancy progression was observed, MTB increased progressively from summer until January and declined rapidly thereafter coinciding with dormancy breaking, although in 2006–2007, maximum endodormancy intensity was observed at beginning of October. Vegetative and reproductive buds showed a similar pattern of seasonal progression of MTB, although after flower differentiation (ca. September) vegetative buds always showed a deeper dormancy than reproductive buds. Autumn and early winter temperatures seem to play a crucial role over dormancy intensity and dormancy progression. A gradient of increasingly deep dormancy from shoot apex to base is suggested by the gradual increment of MTB in a basipetal direction, although it was influenced by the year.

Carbon and water exchange in semiarid ecosystems in SE Spain

The changing climate is affecting biological and physical processes occurring in the biosphere, including the biogeochemical cycles of water and carbon. The response of ecosystem carbon exchange to changes in temperature and the water balance is still very uncertain, a fact that highlights the need for research in order to understand the role of the biosphere in the future global carbon budget. South east Spain is on the borderline between the tropical and mid-latitude climate zones, with climates ranging from sub-humid to arid, and the majority representing the driest area in Europe. Initial predictions on climate change for this region point to decreases in total precipitation and the number of precipitation events, meaning a decrease in water availability underlining the vulnerability of the region to desertification. This region, due to these special climatic conditions, has been the subject of experimental carbon and water field research in recent years. This paper defines the state of the art of carbon and water balance measurement and modelling studies in this region, analyses the different processes involved in aggregate exchanges (vegetation and soil; net ecosystem carbon balance–evapotranspiration, photosynthesis–transpiration, soil respiration–evaporation), and identifies needs for future research.

Las Alpujarras region (South East Spain) HLA genes study: evidence of a probable success of 17th century repopulation from North Spain

Conquest of Granada Muslim Kingdom (1492 AD) finished with Muslim occupation; they were mostly North African Berbers who had reached Iberia by 711 AD. A politics of Iberian Christianization followed after this date: Jewish were expelled in 1492 and Moriscos (Spaniards practicing Muslim religion or speaking Arab) were expelled from all Spanish territory on 1609 AD. Las Alpujarras is a southern Spain mountainous secluded region, which underwent a repopulation from North Spain and a specific Muslim (Moriscos)-Christian war took place according to historical records. Both Las Alpujarras repopulation by northern Iberians and Moriscos expulsion success have been debated and are regarded as non-clarified episodes. In this study, we have addressed the question whether the repopulation succeeded by determining HLA genes of present day Las Alpujarras inhabitants and compared with those of other Mediterranean populations HLA frequencies and genealogies. HLA frequencies show ambiguous results because of extant HLA similar gene frequencies there exist in North Africa and Spain. This is reflected by the finding of North and South western Mediterraneans close relatedness of HLA dendrograms and correspondence analyses. However, the genealogical study of extended HLA haplotypes particularly Alpujarran high frequency of HLA-A29-B44-DRB1*0701-DQA1*02-DQB1*02 (not found in Algerians but frequent in North and Central Spain) and Alpujarran low frequency extended haplotype HLA-A3-B7-DRB1*1501-DQA1*0102-DQB1*0602 (frequent in North Europe) reveals that a significant HLA gene flow from North Spain is observed in present day Alpujarrans: both haplotypes are characteristic of North Spain and North Europe, respectively. This may indicate that enforced Alpujarran repopulation from North Spain may have been a success, which was started by Spanish King Philip II in 1571 AD.

Population dynamics and tolerance to desiccation in a crustacean ostracod adapted to life in small ephemeral water bodies

Given their small size, isolation and unpredictability, temporary rockpools present high environmental stress and impoverished communities of species that have adapted to such stressful conditions. Special adaptations of the invertebrates living in these habitats include tolerance to desiccation and fast ontogenetic development in order to maintain stable populations and face high risk of extinction. Dozens of small rockpools (mostly with Ø < 1 m) can be found in east Spain on limestone substrate, where the only known Iberian populations of Heterocypris bosniaca Petkovski et al. (2000) , an ostracod species with geographic parthenogenesis, have been recently found. In this survey, two of these rockpools have been monitored during the main hydroperiod between the fall of 2005 and summer 2006 to test the ability of H. bosniaca parthenogenetic populations to face unpredictable hydroperiod dynamics. Pools were visited weekly, and limnological data and ostracod samples were obtained from either water or substrate in dry periods. Ostracod individuals were counted and assigned to growth instars to monitor population changes. In the laboratory, experimental cultures allowed the estimation of survival dependence on the substrate desiccation rate. Throughout the hydrological cycle studied, several hatching periods were observed, usually preceded by desiccation, followed by substrate hydration and water dilution by rain. The demographic changes observed indicate that H. bosniaca populations are able to persist in intermittently inundated environments and produce several generations per annual hydrological cycle. In addition, adult individuals were able to survive in the wet mud of dry pools for longer than five weeks. The experimental data suggest a lower average survival time when exposed to desiccation processes, and that the velocity of substrate water loss is a determining factor for the survival rate of ostracods resisting dry events in temporary ponds. As shown by ostracods’ life histories in temporary aquatic environments undergoing unpredictable desiccation events, a combined strategy of adult tolerance to short periods of water scarcity and rapid hatching from resting egg banks can be advantageous for the monopolization of small-sized ephemeral habitats.

A new hypogean species of Iberian Microtyphlus and review of the taxonomic position of Speleotyphlus and Aphaenotyphlus (Carabidae: Trechinae: Anillini)

A new species of cave-dwelling Anillini (Coleoptera: Carabidae) Microtyphlus charon n. sp. is described from the “Surgencia de l’Orao” Cave (Valencia, East Spain). M. charon n. sp. is close to two troglobiomorphic species, M. infernalis and M. alegrei (new comb.), sharing the same aedeagus morphology. These three species constitute a monophyletic group that is hypothesized as originating in the endogean environment of the southern end of the Iberian Mountain Range, around the Valencia trough. These three species live in caves that were possibly isolated by the Miocene basins. The analysis of key morphological characters in the Microtyphlus phyletic series showed that the slenderness of appendages, that defines taxa as Speleotyphlus and Aphaenotyphlus, are of little phylogenetic value, as this also happens with other troglobiomorphic features (e.g., depigmentation). However, other morphological characteristics (male aedeagus, chaetotaxy, labial tooth) suggest a close relationship between Microtyphlus, Speleotyphlus and Aphaenotyphlus, which leads us to propose the last two taxa as synonyms of Microtyphlus.

Is Gypsum External Rendering Possible? The Use of Gypsum Mortar for Rendering Historic Façades of Valencia's City Centre

Valencia is a city located in the East of Spain by the Mediterranean Sea. It has a huge historic centre with ancient winding streets that contains buildings with a singular architectural heritage. The buildings’ façades are protected by a traditional external rendering, sometimes in bad state of conservation or modified or substituted in restoration works. The study carried out on historic renderings in Valencia points out the great employment of gypsum mortar or gypsum-lime mortar, among other peculiarities. Gypsum external rendering is one of the many uses for gypsum mortars in Valencia traditional architecture. This fact contradicts the general belief of the exclusive use of lime mortars for rendering a façade. The knowledge of the characteristics of historic mortars will allow us to implement a proper restoration work of architectural heritage with suitable mortars, as it is essential to guarantee the adherence and compatibility of any repair.

Assessment of a decision support system for chemical control of annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) in winter cereals

Gonzalez‐Andujar JL, Fernandez‐Quintanilla C, Bastida F, Calvo R, Izquierdo J &amp; Lezaun JA (2011). Assessment of a decision support system for chemical control of annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) in winter cereals. Weed Research51, 304–309.SummaryField studies were conducted at five locations in North and East Spain to evaluate the agronomic, economic and environmental implications of a decision support system (LOLIUM‐PC) for herbicide control of Lolium rigidum in winter cereals. The chemical control treatments evaluated were as follows: (i) LOLIUM‐PC‐based recommendations, (ii) full herbicide dose (standard farmer practice) and (iii) half herbicide dose. Results indicate that there were no statistically significant differences, within sites, between treatments with respect to weed density, crop yield and economic return. On average, LOLIUM‐PC resulted in less herbicide application compared with the full herbicide dose treatment. This also was true in three of five localities for the half‐dose treatment. The results of this research indicate that LOLIUM‐PC provides a flexible tool for recommending less herbicide than other herbicide decision systems, adequate weed control and similar crop yields to those obtained with the standard farmer practice (full dose) in Spain.