Autoécologie des chênaies de Quercus robur L. en Galice (Espagne)

Abstract

A parametric characterization of the biotypes currently in stands of "carballo" (Quercus robur L) in Galicia (Spain) is presented. For this, an inventory of a total of 39 plots has been made. Twenty-eight ecological parameters characteristic of each biotype as well as 14 more to characterize forest mensuration and silviculture of studied oaklands were elaborated. This information has permitted the determination of the fisiographic, climatic and edaphic habitat of Quercus robur in central and marginal area in Galicia, as well as the characterisation of the actual situation from a silvicultural stands point of view. Galician oakwoods are highly heterogeneous, as well in biotype location as their use and management they had been subjected. Their altitudinal difference is near to 1200 m and this signify a mean temperature difference of 7.3°C. The annual precipitation average is 1371.9 mm ; with 164 mm in summer rains, in consequence summer dryness is very scarce. The soils, mainly cambisols, are strongly acidic, with a dominant sandy textural composition due to the nature of their geological origin, which are by and large granite and schist rocks. © INRA, EDP Sciences, 2005.