:15:04
How do the Hurdanos prepare the land to grow their crops?
:15:09
First they choose a spot close to the riverbank.
:15:16
Then they cut down the rockrose and heather.
:15:18
Their tools are rudimentary: pickaxe and shovel.
:15:22
These are the only tools they have.
:15:25
The plough is almost unknown.
:15:31
Once the plot has been cleared...
:15:34
...they put up stone walls, without mortar.
:15:39
The wall will protect the plot from winter floods.
:15:44
One the wall is up, they have to look for...
:15:47
...fertile soil in the hills.
:15:50
They put it in sacks and carry them through the brambles to their plots.
:15:54
This usually takes several weeks.
:16:12
A thin layer of fertile soil now covers the plots.
:16:15
The first year sees an abundant harvest, but then the soil is exhausted.
:16:19
There's no nitrogen and it turns sterile.
:16:29
All the plots in Las Hurdes are thin bands...
:16:32
...beside a river.
:16:35
Winter storms can destroy the work of a whole year.
:16:43
A characteristic winding river in Las Hurdes...
:16:47
...with tiny plots beside it.
:16:53
With no money or domestic animals...
:16:56
....the Hurdanos have no fertiliser.
:16:58
They have to go up into the hills to look for it.