HETEROMED Project

The role of heterogeneity influencing forest regeneration and restoration in Mediterranean environments (HETEROMED)
REN2002-04041-CO2/GLO, Coordinated Project.
Financed by: the Spanish MCYT
Period: 2002-2005
Principal Investigator: Teodoro Marañón Arana
Number of members: 11

Project 1: REN2002-04041-CO2-01/GLO
Principal Investigator: Regino Zamora
Number of members: 5
Host institution: Universidad de Granada.

Project 2: REN2002-04041-CO2-02/GLO
Principal Investigator: Teodoro Marañón Arana
Number of members: 6
Host institutions: IRNA-CSIC Sevilla, Univ. Alcalá, Univ. Córdoba.

     The spatial heterogeneity of abiotic and biotic factors influences the success in the regeneration of woody species in Mediterranean environments. In this project, the environmental heterogeneity at different spatial scales is analysed and related to natural patterns of seedling establishment. Factorial design experiments of seed addition and seedling transplant are carried out and the resulting emergence, growth and survival are related to the heterogeneity of conditions of light, moisture, soil, and herbivory, according with spatially explicit experimental designs. The limitations for the success during the juvenile stage are studied at landscape scale, in particular the effects produced by large herbivores and the protection offered by shrubs. The field work will be carried out at Los Alcornocales Natural Park and the Sierra Nevada National Park; the experiments will be focused in 5 target species: Q. suber, Q. canariensis, Q. ilex, Pinus sylvestris and Acer granatense. As final result, a synthetic model of heterogeneity and regeneration niche will be generated, and techniques of restoration and afforestation will be proposed.

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