Soil Moisture and Black Truffle Production Variability in the Iberian Peninsula

The relationship between modelled root zone soil moisture (SM) and black truffle production in the Iberian Peninsula was studied. Previous works have investigated influence that precipitation exerts on yield highlighting importance of water for growth truffle. However, SM had not been used until now due to lack suitable databases. series from LISFLOOD hydrological rainfall–runoff model this study. Annual 175 locations Spain correlated with period 1991–2012. For this, different approaches were applied considering daily, weekly monthly temporal scales. same analysis carried out using data compare behaviors both variables related variability. results obtained show critical periods terms content summer (June–September) during October–November months. Moreover, a clear delay observed. study highlight production, since variable truly expresses available fungus, which completes its entire life cycle living below ground.