Competition and climate influence in the basal area increment models for Mediterranean mixed forests

Competition plays a key role controlling tree growth in mixed forests. Contrary to monocultures, quantifying species mixing influence on suppose challenge since the presence of two or more requires estimate degree intra- and inter-specific competition among trees. Moreover, it is well known that aridity can also growth, especially Mediterranean Basin. In present context climate change, essential take into account uncertainty design sustainable management guidelines for To achieve that, data from Spanish National Forest Inventory was used this study fit new mixed-effects basal area increment (BAI) models 29 two-species compositions Spain. A wide range different structures (intra-specific, inter-specific, size-symmetric size-asymmetric) conditions (in terms De Martonne Index) were included tested BAI models. Parameter estimations obtained all possible species, mixtures combinations by Maximum Likelihood (ML). Models with coefficients being significant (p < 0.05) first selected. Among these models, we Akaike Evidence Ratios selecting best one each mixture. The model mixture analyze climatic growth. Regarding influence, common trend found higher productivity than pure stands, suggesting values may increase diversity. Based intra indexes, seemed be most representative biological interaction conifer-conifer mixtures, neutralism facilitation occur frequently conifer-broadleaved broadleaved-broadleaved mixtures. Our findings suggested significantly limited arid conditions, excepting Pinus halepensis pinea. rigorous modelling approach successfully uncovered not only effect various but help us understand Thus, presented implementation adaptation under future change scenarios.