Aprisco Field Station: The spatial structure of a new experimental site focused on agroecology

Abstract

Abstract The Dehesa ecosystem provides important social and economic values across the Iberian Peninsula and assessing the temporal dynamics of this system under climate change is important for the maintenance and conservation of these highly valuable ecosystems. Here we present the baseline data of an observational plot network in the Dehesa that will form the foundation for monitoring long-term dynamics and for experimental manipulations testing the mechanisms driving resilience within the Dehesa. The initial surveys indicate that the forest structure is typical for the Dehesa, which suggests it is an exemplary site for examining temporal dynamics of this ecosystem. We present these initial data to encourage collaborations from international scientists via either direct experimental projects or meta-analyses.