Post-fire growth of Pinus halepensis: Shifts in the mode of competition along a precipitation gradient

• DOI: 10.1016/j.foreco.2024.121693
• Publication Date: 2024-01-09T18:57:08Z
• Authors: Ana Lucia Mendez-...; Lluís Coll; Teresa Valor; Gil Torné-Solà; Aitor Ameztegui
• Keywords: Mode (computer interface); Akaike information criterion; Litter

Competition can intensify the struggle for resources among plants, affecting forest growth and dynamics. The intensity mode of competition – asymmetric vs. symmetric change along environmental gradients with time, impacting response plants to their environment, but this is seldom explicitly considered in management plans. In study, we aim (i) disentangle main tree-related factors that affect post-fire Pinus halepensis sapling growth; (ii) determine which characterizes species regeneration; (iii) elucidate if changes climatic gradients. We sampled 148 P. saplings located 15 sites affected by wildfires between 1987 2013 Catalonia (NE Spain). measured radial at base, identified competitive environment locating measuring all trees a 3-meter-radius from our target saplings. modelled effect tree size, age, climate, on regeneration following neighborhood theory dynamics using model comparison information criteria address research questions. used modification Hegyi index prevalence competition, assessed support models was allowed vary age precipitation. best showed precipitation, size influenced (Akaike weight 0.66, R2 = 0.52). found evidence generally precipitation gradient: it shifts drier almost fully symmetrical as increases. Our findings have implications stands, enabling adaptation silvicultural prescriptions environment. context increasing water scarcity, adaptive silviculture fundamental foster resilience pinewoods future disturbance regimes.