Soil Resources and the Role in Agriculture Sector of Greek Economy

摘要

This paper analyzes the quality of the soil resources of arable lands of the Hellenic Republic. Greece is characterized by mild winters and high sunshine. Greece's agricultural potential is hampered by poor soil conditions, inadequate levels of precipitation in spite of having also fertile soils and important water resources, especially in Western Greece. The mild climate allows Greece, especially in its southern regions, to produce early fruit and vegetable products. Data on the presence of saline, acid, and calcareous lands and the reasons for their formation in the country are presented. It refers to the basic characteristics of pathogenic soils, which have been studied in detail in recent years, their origin and their classification into several categories. Particular attention is paid to the serious problem of erosion and desertification of soil resources in many areas of Greece. It describes the important role that agricultural production has always played in the Greek economy. It is referred to the extent of cooperative organization which stays at low comparative levels, despite the efforts mainly of European Union. The total value of agricultural production in Greece amounts to 9.95 billion euros. Of this total, 69% comes from crop production. Consequently, crop production has a dominant position in the country's agricultural economy. Greek agriculture has remained at about the same level in terms of the value of agricultural production since 2010. As a percentage of the EU as a whole, however, it has dropped from 2.9% to 2.5%. It also describes the agricultural economy and policy of the country, the prospects and the economic impact of the increase in the problematic agricultural lands. Some suggestions on measures to preserve national wealth, such as the country's land resources, are indicated.