El crecimiento radial del alcornoque en cinco parcelas de alcornocal de Girona

Tree rings of Quercus suber L. are porous and difficult to read because of the irregular growth rhythm. Radial growth has been measured in five experimental plots situated in the region of Girona (Catalonia, NE Spain). Cores of ten standard trees of each plot were extracted using a Pressler borer. In three plots woody disks from standard trees were also obtained. Tree rings were examinated under binocularlens. The CATRAS computer program (Anio1,1983 ) was used to find statistical parameters. Tree rings have an average width changing from 1,21 to 3,74 mm, while average standard deviation varies from 0,24 to 1,88 mm. and autocorrelation from 0,008 to 0.894 . These values are similar to those found in other Mediterranean Quercus, like Q. ilex L. The studied cork-oak plots ,with diametrical classes between 5 and 57 cm, show regular growth characteristic of young forest. The St. Hilari plot has the maturest trees, (diametrical classes from 24 to 57 cm) and this fact was reflectedin thegrowthcurve. Suddengrowthincreases are attributed to forestry management measures like clearing or selective cutting down. The effects of periodic cork extractions could no be clearly appreciated in this study.