A new study published in the journal _Nature Climate Change_ has found that mixed-species forests are more resilient to drought than monocultures. The study, which was conducted by researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, looked at how different types of forests in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California responded to the severe drought that occurred in the state from 2012 to 2016.

The researchers found that mixed-species forests were able to withstand the drought better than monocultures because they have a greater diversity of tree species. This diversity allows mixed-species forests to access a wider range of water sources, and it also makes them less vulnerable to pests and diseases.

In contrast, monocultures are more susceptible to drought because they have a limited diversity of tree species. This means that they are more reliant on a single source of water, and they are also more vulnerable to pests and diseases.

The researchers found that mixed-species forests were able to maintain their water use during the drought, while monocultures experienced a decline in water use. This decline in water use was due to the fact that the trees in monocultures were more stressed by the drought and were therefore unable to take up as much water from the soil.

The researchers also found that mixed-species forests were less likely to experience tree mortality during the drought than monocultures. This is because the diversity of tree species in mixed-species forests allows them to better tolerate the effects of drought.

The findings of this study suggest that mixed-species forests are more resilient to drought than monocultures. This information is important for forest managers, as it can help them to make decisions about how to manage forests in a way that makes them more resilient to climate change.

Implications for forest management

The findings of this study have important implications for forest management. In order to make forests more resilient to climate change, forest managers should:

* Plant mixed-species forests. Mixed-species forests are more resilient to drought and other climate-related stressors than monocultures.

* Thin forests to reduce competition for water. Thinning forests can help to reduce competition for water between trees, which can help them to survive during droughts.

* Promote the growth of understory vegetation. Understory vegetation can help to protect the soil from erosion and can also provide food and shelter for wildlife.

* Control invasive species. Invasive species can compete with native plants for water and nutrients, and they can also spread diseases and pests.

By following these recommendations, forest managers can help to make forests more resilient to climate change and ensure that they continue to provide a wide range of benefits to people and wildlife.