Clumped or regular? the role of thinning pattern on pine growth and soil water content in dense Aleppo pine post-fire stands

Abstract The development of silvicultural practices that seek to promote structural heterogeneity is increasingly demanded. This work investigates the effect thinning spatial pattern on response pre-commercial dense Aleppo pine post-fire stands. On three replicated experimental sites in SE Spain, we applied following treatments: 600 trees/ha, regular (600R), with residual trees evenly spaced; aggregated (600A), pines arranged clumps ∽25 a local within-clump density 2500 trees/ha; and control treatment, no (> 20,000 trees/ha). We assessed treatment effects growth, size-growth relationships, soil water content, understory vegetation over first years after application. Both similarly increased radial growth. In general, dbh growth rates were faster for smaller than larger trees. rate height was higher 600R 600A, indicating positive both low very high densities. found near-term availability at stand level, mostly resulting from enhanced content canopy gaps. For patterns, recovery dominated by resprouter species. study highlights potential patterns enhance complexity stands without compromising which could be great use managing forests Mediterranean areas.