Water and forests in the Mediterranean hot climate zone: a review based on a hydraulic interpretation of tree functioning

Abstract

Aim of the study: Water scarcity is the main limitation to forest growth and tree survival in the Mediterranean hot climate zone. This paper reviews literature on the relations between water and forests in the region, and their implications on forest and water resources management. The analysis is based on a hydraulic interpretation of tree functioning.Area of the study: The review covers research carried out in the Mediterranean hot climate zone, put into perspective of wider/ global research on the subject. The scales of analysis range from the tree to catchment levels.Material and methods: For literature review we used Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar as bibliographic databases. Data from two Quercus suber sites in Portugal were used for illustrative purposes.Main results: We identify knowledge gaps and discuss options to better adapt forest management to climate change under a tree water use/availability perspective. Forest management is also discussed within the wider context of catchment water balance: water is a constraint for biomass production, but also for other human activities such as urban supply, industry and irrigated agriculture.Research highlights: Given the scarce and variable (in space and in time) water availability in the region, further research is needed on: mapping the spatial heterogeneity of water availability to trees; adjustment of tree density to local conditions; silvicultural practices that do not damage soil properties or roots; irrigation of forest plantations in some specific areas; tree breeding. Also, a closer cooperation between forest and water managers is needed.

Effects of cork oak stripping on tree carbon and water fluxes

“…sequential drought episodes) and biotic stresses (e.g. Phythoptora cinnamomi) which greatly depend on the root system capacity to maintain a favourable tree water balance (David et al, 2016).…”

The Apparent Resilience of the Dry Tropical Forests of the Nicaraguan Region of the Central American Dry Corridor to Variations in Climate Over the Last C. 1200 Years

“…High wood density has previously been demonstrated to be an important factor in enabling persistence of woody taxa during intervals of drought [130]. These species may also resist extended periods of drought by tapping into subsoil water reserves with their deep roots [35,133,134].…”

Bosques, suelo, agua y sus interacciones

“…Tales investigaciones en esta área deben estudiar las relaciones entre bosques, suelo, agua y uso del territorio sobre amplias escalas espaciales y temporales (CHIFM 2008). Para ello, herramientas como los meta-análisis, la teledetección y la modelización hidro-ecológica serán imprescindibles (Beck et al 2016;David et al 2016).…”

“…Por ejemplo, se ha comprobado que en bosques semiáridos como los mediterráneos de Quercus ilex L., el control de la densidad por medio de claras tiene su principal efecto en la reducción de la intercepción y trascolación en el dosel arbóreo, pero más trabajo es necesario para determinar hasta qué punto los flujos de nutrientes asociados pueden también verse alterados (Bautista et al 2015). En zonas donde los recursos hídricos son limitados, la gestión forestal debería centrarse en prácticas forestales que no dañen los sistemas radiculares de los bosques ni alteren la capacidad del suelo de retener agua (David et al 2016). Por ejemplo, prácticas como el labrado del suelo o el uso de maquinaria pesada deberían ser evitados, al dañar las raíces de especies que han evolucionado específicamente para generar potentes sistemas radiculares para la captación del escaso agua del suelo (David et al 2013).…”