EDAFOLOGÍA

Volumen 8-2. Agosto 2001. pág 1-12.

HABITAT EDÁFICO DE LOS CASTAÑARES DE GALICIA (ESPAÑA)

A. Rubio ⁽¹), R. Elena ⁽¹⁾, O. Sánchez (2), A. Blanco ⁽¹⁾, V. Gómez ⁽¹⁾ y D. Graña ⁽¹⁾

⁽¹⁾ Dept. Silvopascicultura. Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. E-28040. Madrid. Spain. E-mail: arubio@montes.upm.es

⁽²⁾ INIA-CIFOR. Ctra. La Coruña, km 7. Apdo. 8111. E-28040. Madrid. Spain.

Abstract. In this paper we have carried out the edafic characterization of the biotopes where the Castanea sativa Miller stands are located in Galicia. From the data of 22 sample sites we have established the optimum and marginal parametric values which define the soils on which this species can be found in Galicia. It has been proved that the main Galician chestnut stands are located on soils built from metamorphic rocks, mostly showing sandy-loam textures. Likewise, those soils have been classified according to FAO and proved to be mainly Cambisols. There stands out that, although these soils have a scarce or moderate soil water holding capacity, their physiological drought is considerably reduced. It is also remarkable that these soils show basically moder humus form.

Key words: Castanea sativa, Galicia, pedology, biotopes, marginal and optimum habitats.