Abstract
AimsWe studied the regeneration dynamics of woodlands and abandoned old fields in a landscape dominated by Quercus suber in its lower limits of rainfall and temperature. Two hypotheses were established: (1) regeneration of Quercus species is strongly favored by the presence of tree cover; and (2) growth of Q. suber is driven by the climatic variables that represent the lower ecological limit of its leading distribution edge.MethodsWe selected woodlands and old fields with and without tree remnants (n = 3 per type), and analyzed stand structure, soil parameters and tree growth.ResultsSuccession was arrested in old fields without tree remnants. By contrast, remnant trees were accelerators of forest recovery in old fields. Tree cover played a fundamental role in Quercus recruitment throughout seed dispersal and facilitation that mitigate the effects of summer drought on seedlings. Also, tree cover improved soil parameters (e.g., organic matter) that are important factors for understanding differences in regeneration. Winter/spring precipitation exerted a positive effect on tree growth, as well as temperatures during winter/spring and September.ConclusionsRegeneration dynamics are modeled by the density of tree cover in the cold and dry edge of the distribution area of Q. suber where Q. ilex is increasing in abundance. Although temperature has a positive effect on the tree growth of Q. suber, when demographic processes are considered, decreases in water availability likely play a critical role in Q. ilex recruitment. This in turn changes dominance hierarchies, especially in abandoned areas with little or no tree cover.
Highlights
Human activity has influenced the structure and dynamics of forests in the Mediterranean region over centuries (Barbero et al 1990; ScarasciaMugnozza et al 2000; Chauchard et al 2007; Camisón et al 2015)
Regeneration dynamics were strongly modeled by the presence and density of tree cover in the fragmented landscape in the cold and dry edge of Q. suber distribution
The stress tolerant species Q. ilex was the only species found to recruit in open old fields decades after being abandoned
Summary
Human activity has influenced the structure and dynamics of forests in the Mediterranean region over centuries (Barbero et al 1990; ScarasciaMugnozza et al 2000; Chauchard et al 2007; Camisón et al 2015). This is the case of forests and woodlands dominated by the cork oak, Q. suber L., which managed systems that are protected by the European Union (Habitat directive 92/43/EEC). Areas suitable for cork oak are predicted to become generally reduced over the twenty-first century, owing to intermediate and high CO2 emission scenarios (Pereira et al 2009; Vessella et al 2017)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
