Evolution of land abandonment in the eastern Region of Murcia

Abstract

The surface, distribution and evolution of land abandoned in the Eastern Region of
Murcia, is analyzed using GIS spatial analysis tools. A progressive increase of abandonment
has been observed in recent decades, favored by both environmental and economic factors.
About the 15% of the studied surface is abandoned and, the majority of it, submitted to significant soil loss. In semi-arid areas and marly lithologies, abandonment involves an increase in erosion processes. Therefore, the knowledge of the status of these areas is essential in order to take decisions to mitigate the problem.