Person:
Rodríguez Sousa, Antonio Alberto

First Name

Antonio Alberto

Last Name

Rodríguez Sousa

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/81612

Affiliation

Universidad Complutense de Madrid

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Now showing 1 - 10 of 17

A multifunctional assessment of integrated and ecological farming in olive agroecosystems in southwestern Spain using the Analytic Hierarchy Process
(Ecological Economics, 2020) Rodríguez Sousa, Antonio Alberto; Parra López, G.; Sayadi-Gmada, Samir; Barandica Fernández, Jesús María; Rescia Perazzo, Alejandro Javier
Olive agroecosystems have for several decades undergone management changes aimed to meet the demands of new agricultural policy trends and of consumers and society. While the main role of olive groves is the production of olives and oil, its multifunctional performance is supported through the European and regional legislative framework, promoting the recognition of non-productive ecosystem services provided by agriculture to society. The objective of this work is to compare two types of olive grove management (integrated and ecological) under the multifunctionality of agriculture (MFA) approach, in Estepa (Andalusia, Spain). To this end, environmental, economic and social indicators were considered. Subsequently, the multifunctional behaviour of olive groves under different management schemes was evaluated using the multicriteria Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) methodology. Ecological farming presented greater valuation in the satisfaction of social demands, with better weightings in all the indicators evaluated, except for farm income and Lepidoptera richness. Thus, the implementation of practices related to ecological management leads to a greater multifunctionality of olive groves. It is thus fundamental that multi-scale policies consider the value of the environmental externalities of this type of management, favouring its implementation to contribute positively to the multifunctionality and sustainability of olive groves in Andalusia.
Application of a dynamic model using agronomic and economic data to evaluate the sustainability of the olive grove landscape of Estepa (Andalusia, Spain)
(Landscape Ecology, 2019) Rodríguez Sousa, Antonio Alberto; Barandica Fernández, Jesús María; Sanz-Cañada, Javier; Rescia Perazzo, Alejandro Javier
Context In the Andalusia region (Spain), olive grove agro-systems cover a wide area, forming social-ecological landscapes. Recent socioeconomic changes have increased the vulnerability of these landscapes, resulting in the abandonment and intensification of farms. The provision of the main ecosystem services of these landscapes have thus been degraded. Objectives To analyse the sustainability of an olive grove social-ecological landscape in Andalusia. Specifically, to develop a quantitative model proposing land planning and management scenarios, considering abandonment, production and economic benefits of olive crops in different conditions of erosion and management. Methods We applied a dynamic model using agronomic and economic data, to evaluate different types of olive management. We considered different levels of erosion, the loss of production related to this erosion, and useful life spans for each type of management. We simulated scenarios for the long-term assessment of dynamics of crops, abandonment rate, production and benefits. Results (a) There was a loss of productive lands and benefits in the medium term in the more intensive crops. (b) Scenarios that partially incorporated ecological management proved to be more sustainable without economic subsidies. (c) The spatial combination of integrated, intensive and ecological plots was sustainable, and was well balanced from an economic, productive and ecological point of view. Conclusions Scenarios that partially incorporate ecological management allowed the best economic and environmental balance. However, to ensure the sustainability of olive landscapes, farmers should be financially rewarded for their role in the conservation of ecosystem services through landscape stewardship and direct environmental payments.
Taxonomic redefining of Pyramidula jaenensis (Clessin, 1882) (Gastropoda: Pyramidulidae) based on an integrative taxonomy approach
(Invertebrate Zoology, 2021) Miller, Jonathan Pereira; Rodríguez Sousa, Antonio Alberto; García-Guerrero, Fernando; Carrillo Pacheco, Miguel
The genus Pyramidula presents a Palearctic geographical distribution, being described in Spain four species not distinguishable from an anatomical point of view. In the present study, we compare our samples along with the previously recognized species P. rupestris, P. saxatilis, P. pusilla, P. cephalonica; P. jaenensis, and P. chorismenostoma by means of molecular studies. Also, we compared P. jaenensis from the studied locality with P. rupestris according to the shell shape by means of geometric morphometric methods. The analysis of the Thin-Plate Spline graph showed that P. jaenensis presented an expansion on the growth to the first whorls and the apex, whereas the height of the body whorl was moderately contracted, while in P. rupestris the opposite was found. We found significant differences between both species based on shell shape. We also provide new information about morphological features that could be used in future studies of this genus attempting to stablish a baseline to test whether the Spanish species are cryptic species or not. The present study also extends the distribution of Pyramidula to Madrid, Spain, establishing for the first time the presence of P. jaenensis in this Spanish province.
A Comparative Analysis of Soil Loss Tolerance and Productivity of the Olive Groves in the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) Areas Norte Alentejano (Portugal) and Estepa (Andalusia, Spain)
(Agronomy, 2021) Rodríguez Sousa, Antonio Alberto; Muñoz-Rojas, José; Pinto-Correia, Teresa; Aguilera, Pedro ; Barandica Fernández, Jesús María; Rescia, Alejandro ; Rescia Perazzo, Alejandro Javier; Dessureault-Rompré, Jacynthe
Olive groves are Mediterranean systems that occupy more than 2.5 M ha in Spain and 0.352 M ha in Portugal. Assuming the differences between both countries in terms of olive grove regulation and considering their multifunctionality, it is useful to implement agronomic indices to estimate their sustainability. The Soil Loss Tolerance Index (SLTI) and the Soil Productivity Index (SPI) are two such indices. We calculated both indices in the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) Norte Alentejano (Portugal). The SLTI index was adapted considering specific variables of the analysed olive groves (i.e., SLTIog). The values obtained were compared with those previously estimated for PDO Estepa (Spain). The negative impacts of erosion and the underlying agricultural practices on the sustainability of olive groves became evident, resulting in decreased soil productivity at the regional level. The SLTIog index showed higher values for crops, being a more realistic tool to analyse sustainability. A higher soil loss tolerance was detected for integrated groves in the PDO Norte Alentejano than for PDO Estepa due to the shorter age of olive cultivation in Portugal, with incipient soil impacts. These indices provide information on the degree of soil erosion, allowing farmers and decision-makers to apply practices to maximise the sustainability of olive groves.
Ecological and economic sustainability in olivegroves with different irrigation management and levels of erosion: a case study
(Sustainability, 2019) Rodríguez Sousa, Antonio Alberto; Barandica Fernández, Jesús María; Rescia Perazzo, Alejandro Javier
In the last 50 years, both the agricultural labour force and irrigated land area have increased almost eightfold in Spain. The main objective of irrigation, in the short term, is to increase agricultural production. However, in the long term, the environmental externalities of irrigation and its direct relationship with soil erosion processes are more uncertain and still poorly studied. In this study, in an olive-growing region of Andalusia, Spain, the variation of several soil parameters related to irrigation and erosion levels was analysed. The results showed that irrigation, while increasing the productive level of the olive groves, entails a progressive alteration of the soil, modifying physical aspects (greater compaction and humidity of the soil together with lower gravel content, porosity and soil weight) and chemical aspects (reduction of the organic matter of the soil and the content of nitrates) that can aggravate the consequences of the erosive processes. In the long term, the productive benefit attributed to irrigation could be unsustainable from an ecological and, consequently, economic point of view. In addition, the lack of sustainability of olive irrigation agroecosystems could be exacerbated by the future restrictive impacts of climate change on water resources in Mediterranean environments. This situation demands spatial planning and alternative management based on soil conservation and rational and efficient forms of irrigation to ensure the sustainability of olive groves and their economic viability.
Estimation of Soil Loss Tolerance in Olive Groves as an Indicator of Sustainability: The Case of the Estepa Region (Andalusia, Spain)
(Agronomy, 2019) Rodríguez Sousa, Antonio Alberto; Barandica Fernández, Jesús María; Rescia Perazzo, Alejandro Javier
Spain is the world’s leading producer of olive oil, with the largest number of olive agro-systems in the Andalusia region. However, rural migration, low profitability, and biophysical limitations to production have compromised their sustainability. Soil erosion is the main cause of declining production and must be controlled to sustain production and keep soil loss below a threshold (soil loss tolerance, SLT). In this paper, the Soil Loss Tolerance Index (SLTI) for non-specific crops was calculated, theoretically, in different Andalusian olive-growing areas. A new Soil Loss Tolerance Index specifically for olive groves was developed (SLTIog) using soil variables related to erosion corresponding to the Estepa region. This index and the Soil Productive Index (SPI) were estimated. Andalusian olive groves with severe erosion were unsustainable for a 150-year period according to SLTI. However, applying the SLTIog in olive groves of Estepa, soil loss was not unsustainable. Although no statistically significant differences were detected between the two SLT indices, the consideration of specific soil variables in the SLTIog made it more accurate and reliable for the assessment of potential long-term sustainability. The use of specific indices for olive groves can inform the adoption of management measures to maintain productivity and support conservation.
Project number: 235
Programa piloto de uso del portafolio como herramienta docente en el Grado de Biología
(2020) Delgado Sáez, Juan Antonio; Jiménez Escobar, María Dolores; Pias Couso, María Beatriz; Herrero De Jáuregui, Cristina; Pérez Tris, Javier; Sánchez Jiménez, Abel; González Martín, Antonio; Saura Álvarez, María; Rodríguez Sousa, Antonio Alberto; Pardos Martínez, Fernando; Sánchez De Dios, Rut; Gutiérrez López, Mónica; Schmitz García, María Fe; Ramírez García, Álvaro; Vergara Carretero, Susana; Pulido Delgado, Francisco; Santos Martínez, Tomas; Acosta Gallo, Belén; Panetsos Petrova, Fivos; Arriero Higueras, Elena; Almodovar Pérez, Ana María; López De Pablo, Carlos Tomas; Alonso Campos, Germán; Miguel Garcinuño, José Manuel De; Gabriel Y Galán Moris, José María; Hernández Pazmiño, Nathalia
Memoria final del proyecto de Innovación educativa "Programa piloto de uso del portafolio como herramienta docente en el Grado de Biología"
Project number: 255
Renovación de las prácticas de Ecología: Aprendiendo Ecología Acuática
(2022) Sánchez Montoya, María Mar; Rovira Sanroque, José Vicente; Ortega Quero, Marta; Acosta Gallo, Belén; López Pintor, Antonio; Andivia, Enrique; Herrero Méndez, Asier; Concepción Cuevas, Elena Daniela; Delgado Sáez, Juan Antonio; García Fungairiño, Sara; Schmitz García, María Fe; Rescia Perazzo, Alejandro Javier; Martín Zorrilla, Juan Vicente; Gómez Juaristi, Miren; Rodríguez Sousa, Antonio Alberto; Luque Martín, Yaiza; Herrero Jaúregui, Cristina
Impacts of Fertilization on Environmental Quality across a Gradient of Olive Grove Management Systems in Alentejo
(Land, 2022) Rodríguez Sousa, Antonio Alberto; Tribaldos-Anda, Claudia; Prats, Sergio ; Brígido, Clarisse; Muñoz-Rojas, José; Rescia, Alejandro ; Golia, Evangelia
Olive groves are Mediterranean socioecological systems. In Portugal (350,000 hectares of olive groves), a transition is ongoing towards intensification. Such effects may arise from the incremental use of agrochemical fertilizers. The Alentejo region, Portugal, was stratified according to the olive management systems (i.e., extensive groves managed conventionally, integrated or organically, and intensive and highly intensive farms) and erosive states. Agronomic (i.e., fertilizers) and biological (i.e., herbaceous and lepidopteran richness and biodiversity) variables were quantified in 80 plots so we could know how managements affect biodiversity. Intensive and highly intensive farms showed the highest erosion (up to 48 t ha−1 year−1) and the highest concentration of nitrates (11–16 ppm), phosphates (8–15 ppm), and potassium (169–183 mg kg−1), aligned with its lower flora (null) and fauna (0.50–1.75 species). Conventional extensive farms attained an intermediate position, and integrated and organic managements showed the lowest erosion (up to 20 t ha−1 year−1), and the lowest concentration of nitrates (5–6 ppm), phosphates (2–4 ppm), and potassium (92–125 mg kg−1) aligned with its higher flora (14–27 species) and fauna (up to 8 species). Studies aimed at characterizing the multifunctionality of olive groves are essential in Portugal, also considering how soil practices can minimize externalities driven by rapid changes in crop systems.
Physiological study of pulmonary involvement in adults with cystic fibrosis through simulated modeling of different clinical scenarios
(Medical and Biological Engineering and Computing, 2018) Rodríguez Sousa, Antonio Alberto; Barandica Fernández, Jesús María; Miller, Jonathan; Mir Montejano, Matías
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disorder of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene (CFTR) that affects the respiratory system. Current treatment is palliative, but there is a gene therapy under investigation which involves inserting a functional CFTR gene into affected cells. Given the clinical variety of the disease, it is necessary to characterize key indicators in its evolution (e.g., the number of functional alveolar sacs and its relationship with a healthy lung function), to anticipate its advancement. A dynamic model was used to evaluate the evolution of cystic fibrosis over time. We considered the application of conventional medical treatments and evaluated the benefits of the application of an experimental gene therapy that would reverse lung damage. Without treatment the life expectancy of the patient is low, but it is increased with the application of conventional treatments, being the progressive loss of the lung function inevitable. Simulating the application of a gene therapy, the life expectancy of patients would not be limited, given the recovery of all altered cellular processes. With this model we can make predictions that demonstrate the need for a curative treatment, in addition to presenting the evolution of pathology in a specific clinical setting.