Our research focuses on the effects of land uses and land management on hydrology, geomorphology and soils. We also work on topics related to geodiversity and landscape dynamics. We particularly study two types of environments:

1. Intensively cultivated areas

Intensively cultivated areas where traditional practices have been replaced by new ones, adapted to the trends dictated by market demand. Currently, farmers cultivate very steep slopes, use unsustainable tillage techniques and phytosanitary products. In some types of crops, like the vineyards in the western part of the Ebro Basin, soils are most of the year unprotected and intense rainstorms can easily cause soil and nutrient losses. We are especially interested in how tillage techniques and microtopography determine the spatial distribution of erosion processes. Results aim to propose alternative land use techniques in order to reduce erosion rates and to improve soil quality in these areas.

2. Abandoned farmland areas in the Mediterranean mountains

Previously cultivated areas located in Mediterranean mountains that are nowadays abandoned. Most of our research is carried out in the Iberian range, where bench terraces occupy large areas due to the steep slopes. The evolution of such areas is closely related to the land management regimen following abandonment. Some terraces have been re-colonized by shrubs, others have been afforested or used for extensive cattle grazing. Our studies at the hillslope scale showed that the main geomorphic process after abandonment was wall collapse caused by small landslides. After landslides, all of livestock trampling, splash effects, and overland flow facilitated the erosion of landslide scars. The following questions we need to answer are: under which conditions these areas contribute with sediment to the fluvial drainage network? How much sediment reaches the main streams? What is the evolution of the drainage network? Also, related to this research topic is the study of the potential value of bench terraces as natural and cultural heritage of Mediterranean mountains.