Assessing the effects of nurse shrubs, sink patches and plant water-use strategies for the establishment of late-successional tree seedlings in Mediterranean reclaimed mining hillslopes

The use of ecohydrologically suitable microsites, such as sink patches (i.e. zones intercepting and infiltrating runoff) nurse shrubs, have largely been proposed tools to improve the establishment late-successional trees in Mediterranean reclaimed landscapes. Nonetheless, this technique needs be accurately tested along with influence seedling water-use strategy. To that purpose, we monitored short- mid-term 4 8 years, respectively) shrubs (Genista scorpius) on seedlings two species contrasted strategies, Pinus nigra, a more drought avoider isohydric species, Quercus ilex, tolerant anisohydric species. In short term, G. scorpius enhanced planted shaded spots under its canopy. This positive interaction was relevant for Q. ilex drier while P. nigra facilitated wetter years. Sink ameliorated survival both but only promoted greater growth during showed high sensitivity precipitation reduction. Their were strongly constrained dry resulting very cumulative mortality at end 8-year study period regardless microsite in. better performance than mid-term, keeping also effects microsites plant after years plantation. Our results support ameliorate ecohydrological conditions key enhancing ecological succession mining sites, particularly shrub improving growth. suggest functional strategy cope is critical factor conditioning overall plantation mid-term. Thus, should constitute selection criteria future restoration programs focused ecosystems, especially climate change.