Using and Creating Microclimates for Cork Oak Adaptation to Climate Change

Abstract

In Mediterranean climate regions, climate change is increasing aridity and contributing to the mortality rate of Quercus suber, reducing the success of reforestation efforts. Using and creating microclimates is a recommended climate adaptation strategy that needs research. Our hypothesis is that planting Q. suber in north-facing slopes and water lines results in a higher survival rate than those that are planted in ridges and south-facing slopes. Secondly, our hypothesis is that existing shrubs (in this case, Cistus ladanifer) can be used to create microclimatic sheltering and increase the survival of Q. suber plantations. In experiment 1, we tested the survival of Q. suber plantations in four different topographic conditions. For that, 80 Q. suber plants were planted over four different topographic conditions, where soil probes were installed to monitor soil moisture and temperature. Two years after, the results show an increased survival rate in the north-facing slope and water line when compared to the ridge area (p = 0.032). In experiment 2, we tested if planting in the shade of rows of C. ladanifer increases the survival rate of Q. suber plantations. For that, 1200 Q. suber plants were planted; 600 in a Montado open area with no shade and 600 under the shade of rows of C. ladanifer shrubs. A total of 17 months after plantation, there was a significantly higher survival rate of the shaded plants (p = 0.027). We conclude that microclimates created by topography and shrubs can have a significant impact on the survival of Q. suber plantations and discuss the situations in which these can apply.

Screening of Cork Oak for Resistance to Phytophthora cinnamomi and Micropropagation of Tolerant Seedlings

“…The effect of Pc has been exacerbated by inadequate forest management, including the abandonment of traditional land activities, increased mechanization and stocking rates and the lack of natural regeneration [25,26]. The regenerative capacity of the forests has been weakened by inhibition of recruitment [27], reduced success of reforestation efforts [28] and the recurrence of fires [29].…”

Natural regeneration of cork oak forests under climate change: a case study in Portugal

“…,Gómez-Aparicio et al (2008),Pulido et al (2010),Dias et al (2016),Simões et al (2016), andMundet et al (2018) Microclimates generated by shrubs (including C. ladanifer)Vizinho et al (2023) Low and dense shrubs(Figueira, 2012) Tree cover (microclimate more suitable for plants and decrease of competition between seedlings and herbaceous vegetation)Cañellas et al (2003), Acácio et al (2007), Caldeira et al (2014), and Montero-Muñoz et al (2021) High stand density (protection from solar radiation, maintains soil moisture, less impact from summer drought) Acácio et al (2007), Plieninger et al (2010), and Arosa et al (2015) Medium stand density (seedling establishment) Pardos et al (2005) and Boussaidi et al (2010) Negative effect References Low soil moisture Caldeira et al (2014) Summer drought Herrera (1995), Pulido and Díaz (2002), Marañón et al (2004), Gómez-Aparicio et al (2008), Pérez-Ramos et al (2008), Pausas et al (2009a), Pérez-Ramos et al (2012), Arosa et al (2015), and González (2015) Water stress Pardos et al (2005), Acácio et al (2007), and Mechergui et al (2021) Soil moisture variations between winter and summer Pérez-Ramos et al (2008)Increase soil temperature during the summerCaldeira et al (2014) …”