INRAE Cedar Silviculture Network

The INRAE Cedar Silviculture Network is a network of semi-permanent plots and silviculture experiments that concern a single species: The Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica Manetti). The network consists of: * Semi-permanent plots, often in older stands subjected to silvicultural management. In a few cases, there may be two or three plots on the same site with either a control plot or several different thinning intensities. There is little deviation from current standard management practices. * More recent experimental plots: in addition to a control plot, different silvicultural treatments are tested, some of which deviate considerably from current practices. Scale: 17 semi-permanent plots on 3.5 ha and 23 plots distributed among 3 experimental sites on 10.7 ha. Total: 14.2 ha. Geographical distribution: Southeastern quarter of France. Mediterranean region. Departments Adèche, Aude, Drôme, Gard, Vaucluse. Date of installation: From 1923 to 2001 for the semi-permanent plots. From 1989 to 1997 for the experimental sites. Objectives: * To study the influence of silvicultural practices and competition on the tree growth and wood production in regular cedar stands. To develop growth models. * To study the influence of silvicultural practices on tree behaviour (growth, production and health status) in the light of climatic and drought events. * To develop adaptive silviculture practices in a context of climate change.