Comparing volume growth in pure and mixed stands of Pinus sylvestris and Quercus pyrenaica

Overview & Synopsis

In Mediterranean forestry, it is important to improve knowledge about mixed stands dynamics, including their productivity. Previous studies have focused on the interactions between different species (competition, reduction of competition and facilitation) depending on site, species composition and structure. * At the centre of this research are the possible differences between pure and mixed stands of Pinus sylvestris and Quercus pyrenaica in terms of density-growth relationships and volume growth per species. * Using data from the second and third Spanish National Forest Inventory (606 plots), volume increment models for these species were fitted. Both species displayed a similar density-growth pattern for pure and mixed stands, with a maximum volume growth at maximum density. Volume increment per occupied area was also found to be greater in mixed stands as opposed to pure stands, suggesting a species interaction with reduced levels of competition in the former. However, the total volume growth was generally lower in mixed stands since the growth rate of oak is much lower. * The results highlight the expedience of favouring P. sylvestris-Q. pyrenaica mixed stands with higher proportions of pine trees in order to gain the benefits of a more complex forest whilst retaining an acceptable level of wood production.