The relative importance of cork harvesting and climate for stem radial growth of Quercus suber L.

Abstract

Growth of cork-oak (Quercus suber L.) in Iberian stands may depend not only on climate but also on recurrent cork harvesting and stand management. In this work, trees from sites with different managements were studied for 3-6 years. Radial increments were enhanced following harvesting (4.0-8.2 mm yr-1), and decreased afterwards (< 4.3 mm yr-1). Time after harvesting was the primary factor affecting radial growth of Q. suber, but trunk growth also correlated negatively with Autumn-Winter precipitations and minimum temperatures, and positively with Spring rainfall. Spring radial increment varied significantly between sites.