R. Salvador, An assessment of the spatial variability of basal area in a terrain covered by Mediterranean woodlands, AGR ECO ENV, 81(1), 2000, pp. 17-28
Spatial patterns of Mediterranean woodlands are largely unknown. An explora
tory analysis of the spatial structure of basal area was carried out in thi
s type of community. Specifically, an area of non-disturbed woodlands locat
ed in the north-east of the Iberian peninsula was analysed. Direct and indi
rect evidences for the hypothesis stating that environmental factors lead t
o the establishment of spatial patterns on the basal area of non-disturbed
Mediterranean woodlands were investigated. The results showed that the vari
ability of this parameter occurs within really short spatial intervals (of
less than 100 m) and neither radiation nor the slope seemed to have an impo
rtant effect on it. In consequence, results did not support the previously
mentioned hypothesis. Among others, long term effects of forest management,
an uneven presence of relief conditions and a complex dynamics of basal ar
ea within plots were suggested as explanations for the results found. Final
ly, some recommendations and practical advises were set for future inventor
ies and studies of spatial patterns in Mediterranean woodlands. (C) 2000 El
sevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.