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An analysis of tree-ring width and the standardized  precipitation-evapotranspiration index within the cork oak (Quercus suber L.) forests mortality framework in the Kroumirie Mountains, northwestern Tunisia

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Abstract

In the climate change context, the severity and duration of drought periods are expected to increase. Forests are known to be extremely sensitive to climate change, especially in the Mediterranean Basin, and particularly in Tunisia, where climate is characterized by dry hot summers which will intensify and prolong due to climate change effects. A better understanding of the mechanisms allowing plants to survive during prolonged drought would help to anticipate expected changes. The present study aimed to analyze the effect of extremely dry years on the mortality and decline of cork oak forests in northwest Tunisia during the 1988–1995 period. Extreme drought years with significant effects on tree growth were registered. Cork oak mortality was recorded for up to 63,622 trees. The study area was largely influenced by the frequency of prolonged drought periods, especially from 1988 to 1995.

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Acknowledgements

The authors warmly thank Dr. Elaieb M.T. and Dr. Khorchani Ali for their contribution and for their help in the revision of the manuscript.

Funding

This work was supported by the project “Integrated restoration of forest ecosystems and their adaptations to climate change”. National Research Institute for Rural Engineering, Waters, and Forestry, Tunisia. This research is part of the project: HYDROMED (PID-2019-111332RB-C21).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The National Research Institute of Rural Engineering, Water, and Forestry. INRGREF. Laboratory of Management and Valorization of Forest Resources, University of Carthage, BP 10, 2080, Ariana, Tunisia

    I. Touhami, S. Fkiri, H. Aouinti, T. Rzigui, A. Khaldi & Z. Nasr

  2. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Laica “Eloy Alfaro” de Manabí, Ciudadela Universitaria, Vía San Mateo S/N. Manta, Manabí, Ecuador

    E. Chirino

  3. Department of Ecology and the Multidisciplinary Institute for Environmental Studies (IMEM), University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain

    H. Moutahir & J. Bellot

  4. Institut Sylvo-Pastoral de Tabarka, Université de Jendouba, Tabarka, Tunisia

    T. Rzigui

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  1. I. Touhami
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  2. E. Chirino
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  3. S. Fkiri
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  4. H. Aouinti
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  8. A. Khaldi
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Correspondence to I. Touhami.

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Communicated by Communicated Editor - Elena Xoplaki, Chief Editor.

This paper was selected from the 2nd Euro-Mediterranean Conference for Environmental Integration (EMCEI), Tunisia 2019.

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Touhami, I., Chirino, E., Fkiri, S. et al. An analysis of tree-ring width and the standardized  precipitation-evapotranspiration index within the cork oak (Quercus suber L.) forests mortality framework in the Kroumirie Mountains, northwestern Tunisia. Euro-Mediterr J Environ Integr 6, 42 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41207-021-00250-x

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