agriculture
Unique farming methods that accommodate the islands harsh weather conditions ensure the productivity of its land and the continuation of its wine industry. Two distinctive styles of farming evolved after the eruptions of the 18th Century and are still in use today. The damp Jable sand needed no irrigation and proved ideal for growing squash, sweet potatoes and watermelons. More commonly seen is the use of black volcanic ash covering the fields, which absorbs the morning moisture and releases it slowly into the soil. This style provides an interesting landscape in the wine region where the hillsides are pitted with craters and protective walls which guard the vines from winds and dehydration. Camels and donkeys are commonly used in traditional methods of farming.