Técnicas para promover la regeneración del arbolado en dehesas mediterráneas

Abstract

Martinez-Munoz, M., Gomez-Aparicio, L., Perez-Ramos, I.M. 2019. Techniques to promote tree regeneration in Mediterranean savannah-like ecosystems. Ecosistemas 28(3):142-149. Doi.: 10.7818/ECOS.1798 Savannah-liked ecosystems have a serious problem of lack of natural regeneration of their dominant tree species. Although there are different techniques of assisted regeneration to alleviate this problem, further scientific studies will be necessary to analyze the efficiency level of these techniques under future climate change scenarios. In this study, we have reviewed the main factors limiting assisted regeneration of oak species in dehesa ecosystems, and we have identified the efficiency level of the main techniques commonly used to promote tree recruitment from an agro-ecological perspective. For this purpose, we have carried out a bibliographic review and conducted surveys to some researchers with relevant experience in this area. Results from this study indicate that water stress during summer, the unfavorable soil conditions over seedling establishment and the high seed predation rates and plant grazing are the most limiting factors for oak recruitment in the study ecosystems. In the second part of the study, we recommended a number of agro-ecological techniques as a function of the efficiency level reported in previous scientific studies, and we highlighted those techniques that require further investigation according to experts´ opinions (e.g. the use of nurse plants or the application of watering treatments). The information provided by this study will be used as a useful tool in management and conservation plans of dehesas with the aim of assuring their persistence and potentiating their adaptation abilities under future environmental scenarios.