Optimal management of Cistus ladanifer shrublands for biomass and Boletus edulis mushroom production

Shrubland management has not traditionally been considered in forest planning. However, some of these forest systems can provide economic benefits due to both the use of biomass and the high production of marketable edible fungi associated with the shrub species. This is the case for Cistus ladanifer, a species widely distributed in the Mediterranean region, which produces high yields of the greatly appreciated mushroom Boletus edulis. The main objective of this study is to estimate the optimal cycle that should be adopted for the management of Mediterranean shrublands dominated by C. ladanifer in considering two outputs: C. ladanifer biomass and B. edulis production, and choosing the alternative with the highest associated monetary returns. Two different scenarios have been developed: a static scenario in which the optimal rotation of C. ladanifer shrubland considering five prescriptions including different management operations has been calculated; and a dynamic analysis, in which different management operations could be practiced over the next 25 years. Both scenarios consider biomass and mushroom picking as outputs. The results of these analyses show that the most appropriate management option is to perform a total clearing close to the end of that time interval. The results could be used to justify sound management practices in these forest systems where fungal harvesting focused on B. edulis could provide significant incomes.