The role of soil characteristics, soil tillage and drip irrigation in the timber production of a wild cherry orchard under Mediterranean conditions

•The effects of soil type, drip irrigation and soil tillage on wild cherry timber production were evaluated; soil water content and spontaneous vegetation were complementary monitored.•Soils characterized by sandy-loam texture and low water retention capacity were showed to be unsuitable for this type of plantation.•Soil tillage did not show a significant effect on timber production.•A reduction of 10 years in the rotation length is expected as a consequence of drip irrigation.•Further investigations are required to test the temporal persistency of the studied effects and other expected benefits when this plantation is managed in a more sustainable way.