Productive characterization of Quercus suber stands in Catalonia (Spain)

Abstract

After a brief description of the main areas covered by Quercus suber L. in Catalonia, the parameters related with cork production are analyzed: surface density (kg of cork/m2 of stripped stem), cork quality and price, stripping rotation. Most important results are: 1) cork age scatter is much higher than expected; 2) surface density is homogeneous for a given stripping rotation and 3) cork quality is better in the pieces of the stands near the coast. Therefore, the necessity to develop new models of production, which include all parameters described, is exposed.