Growth response of mixed mediterranean oak coppices to rainfall reduction

Alternative forest management strategies to account for climate change-induced productivity and species suitability changes in Europe

“…This is in line with the high sensitivity of the 4C model to CO 2 as demonstrated in Reyer et al (2014). The modest and sometimes negative impacts of climate change when excluding the CO 2 fertilisation effect is in contrast with many previous studies that usually find increases in increment in Central and Northern Europe (Pussinen et al 2009), and only some included negative (drought) effects in Southern Europe (Vicente-Serrano et al 2010;Cotillas et al 2009). This highlights the high uncertainty surrounding such projections and our current lack of understanding of long-term CO 2 effects on mature forests.…”

Effects of thinning intensity on radial growth patterns and temperature sensitivity in Pinus canariensis afforestations on Tenerife Island, Spain

“…Aspect exerted a modulation on thinning effects, since the impacts of thinning intensity on BAI were more limited on leeward than on windward, as shown by our results. We suggest that the modulation exerted by aspect was likely due to the facts that: (1) thinning effects were masked by the higher stem density on leeward, with the consequently smaller stem-sized trees, whose growth after thinning is less in absolute terms than for larger trees (Cañellas et al 2004;Mäkinen and Isomäki 2004); and (2) thinning is less effective at dry sites if it is not intense enough, because inter-tree competition for water is stronger, so that site conditions cannot support high-density stands (Cotillas et al 2009;Linares et al 2009;Moreno and Cubera 2008). Thus, a still high competition level that is not sufficiently removed by thinning, coupled with the more limiting climatic conditions, should have somehow obscured the advantages of thinning on leeward (Misson et al 2003).…”

Mitigating the Stress of Drought on Soil Respiration by Selective Thinning: Contrasting Effects of Drought on Soil Respiration of Two Oak Species in a Mediterranean Forest

“…The stem basal area and height of Q. cerrioides and Q. ilex from the study site were significantly different. Q. cerrioides individuals had a larger mean stem basal area (12.4 ± 0.8 cm 2 ) and height (177 ± 4 cm) than those of Q. ilex (9.7 ± 0.8 cm 2 and 144 ± 4 cm) [38].…”

“…From daily to seasonal scales, the enhancement of tree growth and photosynthesis due to selective thinning may promote more root respiration [66][67][68]. Cotillas et al [38] investigated tree growth in the same study site and observed a remarkable improvement in residual stem growth (ca. 50%) and a reduction in stem mortality after selective thinning.…”

“…Due to instrumental limitations, SR rates were measured only in one replicate of each treatment. Tree height, basal area, and density were measured before starting the experiment and no significant differences were found in structural characteristics among plots [38]. Selective thinning was done in spring 2004.…”