Positive coupling between growth and reproduction in young post-fire Aleppo pines depends on climate and site conditions

摘要: In fire- and drought-prone Mediterranean forests tree growth regeneration depend on the moisture regime between fires. Therefore, post-fire will conditions how they are altered by fire recurrence climate warming. Aleppo pine most abundant Circum-Mediterranean ecosystems subjected to frequent wildfires summer droughts. Because both stressors constrain their reproduction patterns across diverse ecological conditions, these represent a suitable system test availability drives regeneration. is an obligate seeder species that reproduces at early age after fire. Such precocious behaviour poses question as whether depends coupling female cone production growth. Here, we evaluate if radial linked level in pines comparing dry v. very site considering stands with three different densities south-eastern Spain. We found trees higher basal areas produced more cones this positive association intensified water balance improved. from were reproductive terms than of same site, but long-term was lower site. Lower density enhances resilience xeric forests, terms, effect can be reversed Overall, improves enhancing production. Thus, silvicultural treatments such thinning should applied taking into account maximise stands. Our findings illustrate warming could hamper aggravating drought stress.