Résumé
Tree growth limitations under the Mediterranean climate arise from both low winter temperature and drought stress during summer. Rising temperature and increasing drought induced by the on-going climate change are affecting productivity and functioning of holm oak forests. Tree growth, stand productivity and its carbon sink strength are in fact highly dependent on water availability, in particular during spring. A 14-year rainfall exclusion experiment led to a decrease in leaf area, acorn production and stand transpiration and to the mortality of bigger trees. Coppice thinning stimulates stem and acorn production as well as reducing water consumption and mortality, even under drier conditions. Thinning thus appears to offer an advantageous management option in helping Mediterranean holm oak coppices to adapt to climate change.