Linking climate, annual growth and competition in a Mediterranean forest: Pinus pinea in the Spanish Northern Plateau

Climate, competition and site conditions are the main drivers controlling annual secondary growth in tree species. These factors do no act independently on tree growth, but by means of interactions, resulting in mediated interactive effects. For example, the stress gradient hypothesis postulates alleviated interspecific competition under limiting spatial (site) or temporal (climate) resources. According to this, models predicting annual growth and yield for a given forest should consider these issues in their formulation. In this study, we present a modelling approach based on using data from permanent plots and dendrochronological analysis in order to describe annual tree growth in pure, even-aged stands of Pinus pinea L. in the Spanish Northern Plateau, a highly limiting environment due to its Mediterranean continental climate. Our method is based on identifying the different sources of variability by means of a multilevel linear mixed model, and thereby identifying the potential covariates explaining observed variability at the different spatiotemporal scales. Our results indicate that site related factors such as site index or dominant height exert a greater influence on annual secondary growth than size-symmetric competition. In addition, we found that the controlling influence of water stress is greater than that of temperatures on tree growth. Furthermore, our results allow evidence to be identified for the stress gradient hypothesis in temporal intraspecific interactions, since trees exposed to a higher degree of competition tend to grow more than expected in dry periods. In contrast, the effect of competition on growth, on average, tends to be aggravated at very poor sites. Finally, our modelling approach allows us to conduct growth and yield simulations under different climate scenarios at different spatial scales, providing results which point to significant decreases in timber and cone production under the more severe scenarios, which can be alleviated through more intensive silviculture.This work has been carried out under the financial and functional framework of the National Projects RTA-2013-00011.C2.1, PCIN-2014-138 INFORMED, AGL-2017-83828-C2.1 and the PROPINEA agreement between INIA, ITACYL and Deputation of Valladolid. Authors wish to thank Forest Service of Valladolid for their permanent support with the inventory and maintenance of the experimental trials

La biodiversidad como herramienta en la gestión y certificación forestal : zonas de alto valor de conservación en montes madereros del suroeste peninsular

Este artículo presenta un estudio sobre la biodiversidad y el estado de ocho Zonas de Alto Valor de Conservación en la provincia de Huelva (localizada en el suroeste de la Península Ibérica), colindantes a plantaciones de especies de crecimiento rápido (Eucalyptus globulus). El estudio se incluye en el marco de un proceso de certificación forestal. Se han evaluado algunos parámetros de biodiversidad –riqueza, diversidad alfa, diversidad beta- y estado –regeneración, cobertura, densidaden 143 parcelas de comunidades leñosas. Se han registrado un alto número de taxones animales y vegetales, algunos de los cuales son especies amenazadas o endémicas. El uso de los índices de diversidad ha sido esencial; son simples abstracciones de la estructura altamente compleja de las comunidades, muy útiles para hacer comparaciones. Han mostrado la alta diversidad de las zonas estudiadas mediante datos cuantificables. Este tipo de estudios son muy importantes e útiles para conocer el estado de ecosistemas forestales y abordar su seguimiento, y por lo tanto para la gestión forestal.____________________________________This paper presents a study about the biodiversity and the status of eight Zones of High Conservation Value within the province of Huelva (located in the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula), near plantations of fast growing species (Eucalyptus globulus). The study is in the framework of a forest certification process. Some parameters of biodiversity –species richness, diversity alpha, diversity beta– and status – regeneration, cover, density– have been evaluated in 143 plots of woody communities. A high number of vegetal and animal species have been recorded; some of them are endangered or endemic species. The use of diversity indices has been essential; they are simple abstractions of the highly complex structure of communities, very useful for comparisons. They have shown the high biodiversity of the study areas using quantifiable data. Such studies are very important and useful to know the status of forest ecosystems and to address the monitoring of these ones, and therefore for forest management

Modelos de crecimiento y producción en España: historia, ejemplos contemporáneos y perspectivas

En el presente trabajo se presenta una revisión sobre los modelos forestales desarrollados en España durante los últimos años, tanto para la producción maderable como no maderable y, para la dinámica de los bosques (regeneración, mortalidad). Se presentan modelos tanto de rodal completo como de clases diamétricas y de árbol individual. Los modelos desarrollados hasta la fecha se han desarrollado a partir de datos procedentes de parcelas permanentes, ensayos y el Inventario Forestal Nacional. En el trabajo se muestran los diferentes submodelos desarrollados hasta la fecha, así como las plataformas informáticas que permiten utilizar dichos modelos. Se incluyen las principales perspectivas de desarrollo de la modelización forestal en España.In this paper we present a review of forest models developed in Spain in recent years for both timber and non timber production and forest dynamics (regeneration, mortality). Models developed are whole stand, size (diameter) class and individual-tree. The models developed to date have been developed using data from permanent plots, experimental sites and the National Forest Inventory. In this paper we show the different sub-models developed so far and the friendly use software. Main perspectives of forest modeling in Spain are presented.The models described in this paper were funded by different regional, national and European projects, and some of them were elaborated by the authors. This work was funded by the Spanish Government by the SELVIRED network (code AGL2008-03740) and the strategic project «Restauración y Gestión Forestal» (code PSE-310000-2009-4)

Variación estacional del estado fisiológico de una dehesa de alcornoque en el suroeste de España (Hinojos, Huelva)

La evolucion estacional del estado fisiologico de un alcornocal viene determinada por diferentes factores ecologicos, y afecta a las pautas de crecimiento de la especie. En este estudio se han medido el potencial hidrico, fotosintesis, transpiracion y fluorescencia de la clorofila de hojas en cuatro alcornoques durante un ano. Existen dos periodos criticos, el primero el final del periodo seco donde el potencial desciende de .3MPa y la fotosintesis a 0.781 micro mol CO2 m-2.s-1 y otro, que se situa en periodo de cambio de la hoja, entre los meses de marzo y mayo, en el que, a pesar de haber una buena disponibilidad de agua en el suelo, la fotosintesis es escasa (3.96 micro mol CO2 m-2.s-1) porque no se ha completado la formacion de las nuevas hojas

La Biodiversidad como herramienta en la gestión y certificación forestal: zonas de alto valor de conservación en montes madereros del suroeste peninsular

This paper presents a study about the biodiversity and the status of eight Zones of High Conservation Value within the province of Huelva (located in the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula), near plantations of fast growing species (Eucalyptus globulus). The study is in the framework of a forest certification process. Some parameters of biodiversity �species richness, diversity alpha, diversity beta� and status � regeneration, cover, density� have been evaluated in 143 plots of woody ommunities. A high number of vegetal and animal species have been recorded; some of them are endangered or endemic species. The use of diversity indices has been essential; they are simple abstractions of the highly complex structure of communities, very useful for comparisons. They have shown the high biodiversity of the study areas using quantifiable data. Such studies are very important and useful to know the status of forest ecosystems and to address the monitoring of these ones, and therefore for forest management.Este artículo presenta un estudio sobre la biodiversidad y el estado de ocho Zonas de Alto valor de Conservación en la provincia de Huelva (localizada en el suroeste de la Península Ibérica), colindantes a plantaciones de especies de crecimiento rápido (Eucalyptus globulus). El estudio se incluye en el marco de un proceso de certificación forestal. Se han evaluado algunos parámetros de biodiversidad ¿riqueza, diversidad alfa, diversidad beta- y estado ¿regeneración, cobertura, densidad- en 143 parcelas de comunidades leñosas. Se han registrado un alto número de taxones animales y vegetales, algunos de los cuales son especies amenazadas o endémicas. El uso de los índices de diversidad ha sido esencial; son simples abstracciones de la estructura altamente compleja de las comunidades, muy útiles para hacer comparaciones. Han mostrado la alta iversidad de las zonas estudiadas mediante datos cuantificables. Este tipo de estudios son muy importantes e útiles para conocer el estado de ecosistemas forestales y abordar su seguimiento, y por lo tanto para la gestión forestal

Eucalyptus x urograndis biomass production for energy purposes exposed to a Mediterranean climate under different irrigation and fertilisation regimes

Lignocellulosic biomass derived from energy crops, a renewable energy source, must be boosted in order to mitigate climate change effects. For this reason, vegetative growth and biomass production of Eucalyptus x urograndis, under a Mediterranean climate, was studied for three years. At the second and the third planting years, 12 treatments were applied combining four irrigation levels during the dry season (0, 325, 646 and 1298?mm of water per year, plus 418?mm of average rainfall) and three fertilisation amounts (0, 150 and 300?kg?ha-1 of N per year with a nutrient balance of 16-8-12 [2 MgO, 12 SO3, 2.6 CaO]). A seasonal growth monitoring of height and diameter was carried out along with dry biomass production and assessment of soil properties before and after of the trial was carried out. Irrigation and fertilisation significantly increased aboveground biomass production, averaging 20.6–55.4?t?ha-1 per year; the combined treatments 0 mm-0?kg ha-1 of N and 1298?mm–300?kg?ha-1 of N were the least and the most productive, respectively. The data constitute a useful resource for the adjustment of the optimal irrigation (=1500?mm per year of rainfall plus irrigation) and fertilisation doses (=150?kg?ha-1 of N) applied to plantations, as well as the management of crops to design a sustainable productive system that allows the preservation or improvement of soils. The energy and physical-mechanical biomass properties together with the derived pellets were of high quality, and they show promise for industrial boiler use.This work has been funded by the Economy and Competitiveness Ministry of Spain (ref. CTQ2013-46804-C2-1-R and CTQ2017-85251- C2-2-R), by FEDER funds of the EU and by the company ENCE, energía y celulosa S.A. (20 %, 60 % and 20 %, respectively). Enrique Andivia was supported by the post-doctoral grant (FPDI-2013-15573) awarded by the Economy Ministry of the Spanish Governmen

Growth and yield models in Spain: historical overview, contemporary examples and perspectives

En el presente trabajo se presenta una revisión sobre los modelos forestales desarrollados en España durante los últimos años, tanto para la producción maderable como no maderable y, para la dinámica de los bosques (regeneración, mortalidad). Se presentan modelos tanto de rodal completo como de clases diamétricas y de árbol individual. Los modelos desarrollados hasta la fecha se han desarrollado a partir de datos procedentes de parcelas permanentes, ensayos y el Inventario Forestal Nacional. En el trabajo se muestran los diferentes submodelos desarrollados hasta la fecha, así como las plataformas informáticas que permiten utilizar dichos modelos. Se incluyen las principales perspectivas de desarrollo de la modelización forestal en España.In this paper we present a review of forest models developed in Spain in recent years for both timber and non timber production and forest dynamics (regeneration, mortality). Models developed are whole stand, size (diameter) class and individual-tree. The models developed to date have been developed using data from permanent plots, experimental sites and the National Forest Inventory. In this paper we show the different sub-models developed so far and the friendly use software. Main perspectives of forest modeling in Spain are presented