Thanks Bass

something i notice about all fig orchards i have seen in spain (which is very few, but several) is that the ground is always well manicured, very little vegetation, mostly rocks and dirt.

spain is a very lush place, even on the islands (minorca, mallorca, etc.), so it is always interesting to me.

i wonder, what is the purpose of this?  more heat and sun reflection to the fruit?  less competition for nutrients of the ground?  ease of fertilization or pest control?

i would love to pick the brain of a person with such an orchard to know the answers.

You have all your answers in Montserrat Pons book on why he does that. But it seems like you know the answer already. His trees are spaced out in a way that the roots don't interfere with the other trees. The soil is tilled and a manure is mixed in the soil. 

trees are well separated, looks like at least 25 maybe 30 ft apart?

That's my dream backyard.I love it thanks Bass.