An assessment of the spatial variability of basal area in a terrain covered by Mediterranean woodlands

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.