Species interactions in pure and mixed-species stands of silver fir and European beech in Mediterranean mountains

Interactions between tree species determine the dynamics of forest communities. Spatial and temporal changes in resource availability, variation composition spatial distribution trees may alter competitive interactions and, therefore, affect growth productivity. In this study, we analyzed intra inter-specific European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) southern Italy (Molise Calabria regions), how these basal area increments mixed-species pure stands. Results showed that intra-specific have a negative effect on increment, both stands Molise Calabria. Basal increment was higher influenced by than Silver stand, probably relation with stand structure space occupation resulted less competition individual trees. high values stands, likely related to low self-tolerance arrangement trees, due canopy closure. The absence could be explained sub-dominant position beech, which limited benefit derived from niche separation complementarity for fir.