Long-Term Tree Regeneration of Fragmented Agroforestry Systems Under Varying Climatic Conditions

Iberian dehesas and montados are agroforestry systems protected by the European Habitats Directive due to high levels of biological diversity associated their savannah-like structure. Tree scattering in dehesas, other is, however, known compromise tree regeneration, although recent work suggests that it may protect populations from climate warming alleviating plant-plant competition. We analyze how climatic conditions, isolation interactions influence outcomes regeneration stages, flower production early seedling establishment, using data gathered during long-term monitoring (2001–2018) ca. 300 Holm oak Quercus ilex trees located central Spain. reproductive effort, predispersal seed losses, recruitment were sensitive change, especially year-round drought. Effort decreased, while abortion predation increased, with higher drought intensity. Spring increases pollination effectiveness, but had no further effect on acorn crops. Forest clearing seemed have little scope ameliorate these negative effects, as shown weak or interactive effects between spatial configuration (cover isolation) variables (spring temperature intensity). opening aimed at decreasing adult mortality under change scenarios would then recruitment. Landscape-scale rotations alternating shrub encroachment thinning along periods adapted changing proposed main management option preserve both forests long term.