1
|
Čater M, Adamič PC, Dařenova E. Response of beech and fir to different light intensities along the Carpathian and Dinaric Mountains. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1380275. [PMID: 38779076 PMCID: PMC11109408 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1380275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Predicting global change mitigations based on environmental variables, like temperature and water availability, although yielding insightful hypothesis still lacks the integration of environmental responses. Physiological limits should be assessed to obtain a complete representation of a species' fundamental niche. Detailed ecophysiological studies on the response of trees along the latitudinal gradient are rare. They could shed light on the behaviour under different light intensities and other studied traits. The forests of the Dinaric Mountains and the Carpathians represent the largest contiguous forest complexes in south-eastern Europe. In uneven-aged Carpathian (8 plots) and Dinaric Mountain (11 plots) forests, net assimilation (Amax) and maximum quantum yield (Φ) were measured for beech and fir in three predefined light intensity categories according to the indirect site factor (ISF%) obtained by the analysis of hemispherical photographs in managed and old growth forests, all located above 800 m a.s.l. The measurements were carried out under fixed environmental conditions in each light category per plot for three consecutive years. Data from the last 50-year average period from the CRU TS 4.01 dataset were used for the comparison between Amax, Φ, and climate. The highest Φ for beech were observed in the central part of the Dinaric Mountains and in the south westernmost and northwesternmost part of the Carpathians for both beech and fir, while they were highest for fir in the Dinaric Mountains in the northwesternmost part of the study area. The Φ-value of beech decreased in both complexes with increasing mean annual temperature and was highest in the open landscape. For fir in the Carpathians, Φ decreased with increasing mean annual temperature, while in the Dinaric Mountains it increased with higher temperature and showed a more scattered response compared to the Carpathians. Short-term ecophysiological responses of beech and fir were consistent to long-term radial growth observations observed on same locations. The results may provide a basis and an indication of the future response of two tree species in their biogeographical range to climate change in terms of competitiveness, existence and consequently forest management decisions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matjaž Čater
- Department of Yield and Silviculture, Slovenian Forestry Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Silviculture, Faculty of Forestry and Wood technology, Mendel University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Pia Caroline Adamič
- Department of Yield and Silviculture, Slovenian Forestry Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Forestry and Renewable Forest Resources, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Eva Dařenova
- Department of Department Of Matters And Energy Fluxes, Global Change Research Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czechia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wei J, von Arx G, Fan Z, Ibrom A, Mund M, Knohl A, Peters RL, Babst F. Drought alters aboveground biomass production efficiency: Insights from two European beech forests. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 919:170726. [PMID: 38331275 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
The fraction of photosynthetically assimilated carbon that trees allocate to long-lasting woody biomass pools (biomass production efficiency - BPE), is a key metric of the forest carbon balance. Its apparent simplicity belies the complex interplay between underlying processes of photosynthesis, respiration, litter and fruit production, and tree growth that respond differently to climate variability. Whereas the magnitude of BPE has been routinely quantified in ecological studies, its temporal dynamics and responses to extreme events such as drought remain less well understood. Here, we combine long-term records of aboveground carbon increment (ACI) obtained from tree rings with stand-level gross primary productivity (GPP) from eddy covariance (EC) records to empirically quantify aboveground BPE (= ACI/GPP) and its interannual variability in two European beech forests (Hainich, DE-Hai, Germany; Sorø, DK-Sor, Denmark). We found significant negative correlations between BPE and a daily-resolved drought index at both sites, indicating that woody growth is de-prioritized under water limitation. During identified extreme years, early-season drought reduced same-year BPE by 29 % (Hainich, 2011), 31 % (Sorø, 2006), and 14 % (Sorø, 2013). By contrast, the 2003 late-summer drought resulted in a 17 % reduction of post-drought year BPE at Hainich. Across the entire EC period, the daily-to-seasonal drought response of BPE resembled that of ACI, rather than that of GPP. This indicates that BPE follows sink dynamics more closely than source dynamics, which appear to be decoupled given the distinctive climate response patterns of GPP and ACI. Based on our observations, we caution against estimating the magnitude and variability of the carbon sink in European beech (and likely other temperate forests) based on carbon fluxes alone. We also encourage comparable studies at other long-term EC measurement sites from different ecosystems to further constrain the BPE response to rare climatic events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingshu Wei
- School of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Arizona, 1064 E Lowell Street, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; Swiss Federal Institute for Forest Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Zuercherstrasse 111, CH-8903 Birmensdorf, Switzerland; CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Menglun Town, Mengla County, Yunnan Province 666303, China.
| | - Georg von Arx
- Swiss Federal Institute for Forest Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Zuercherstrasse 111, CH-8903 Birmensdorf, Switzerland; Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research, University of Bern, Hochschulstrasse 4, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Zexin Fan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Menglun Town, Mengla County, Yunnan Province 666303, China
| | - Andreas Ibrom
- Biosystems Division, Risø National Laboratory for Sustainable Energy, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark
| | - Martina Mund
- Forestry Research and Competence Centre Gotha, Jägerstraße1, D-99867 Gotha, Germany
| | - Alexander Knohl
- Bioclimatology, University of Göttingen, Büsgenweg 2, D-37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Richard L Peters
- Environmental Sciences - Botany, University of Basel, Schönbeinstrasse 6, Basel CH-4056, Switzerland
| | - Flurin Babst
- School of Natural Resources and the Environment, University of Arizona, 1064 E Lowell Street, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research, University of Arizona, 1215 E Lowell Street, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Rybar J, Sitková Z, Marcis P, Pavlenda P, Pajtík J. Declining Radial Growth in Major Western Carpathian Tree Species: Insights from Three Decades of Temperate Forest Monitoring. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:4081. [PMID: 38140406 PMCID: PMC10747720 DOI: 10.3390/plants12244081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates the radial growth response of five key European forest tree species, i.e., Fagus sylvatica, Picea abies, Abies alba, Quercus petraea, and Pinus sylvestris, to dry years in the West Carpathians, Slovakia. Utilizing data from ICP Forests Level I plots, we identified species-specific growth declines, particularly in Pinus sylvestris and Fagus sylvatica, with milder radial growth declines for Quercus petraea and Picea abies. Abies alba exhibited a growth peak in the mid-2000s, followed by a decline in the end of the observed period. Elevation emerged as the only significant environmental predictor, explaining 3.5% of growth variability during dry periods, suggesting a potential mitigating effect. The scope of this study was limited by the complex interplay of ecological factors that influence tree growth, which vary across the ICP Forests Level I monitoring sites. Nonetheless, our findings enhance the understanding of species-specific growth responses and offer insights for the climate-smart management of temperate forests under changing conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jergus Rybar
- National Forest Centre, Forest Research Institute, T.G. Masaryka 22, 960 01 Zvolen, Slovakia; (Z.S.); (P.M.); (P.P.); (J.P.)
- Faculty of Forestry, Technical University in Zvolen, T.G. Masaryka 24, 96001 Zvolen, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Sitková
- National Forest Centre, Forest Research Institute, T.G. Masaryka 22, 960 01 Zvolen, Slovakia; (Z.S.); (P.M.); (P.P.); (J.P.)
| | - Peter Marcis
- National Forest Centre, Forest Research Institute, T.G. Masaryka 22, 960 01 Zvolen, Slovakia; (Z.S.); (P.M.); (P.P.); (J.P.)
- Faculty of Forestry, Technical University in Zvolen, T.G. Masaryka 24, 96001 Zvolen, Slovakia
| | - Pavel Pavlenda
- National Forest Centre, Forest Research Institute, T.G. Masaryka 22, 960 01 Zvolen, Slovakia; (Z.S.); (P.M.); (P.P.); (J.P.)
| | - Jozef Pajtík
- National Forest Centre, Forest Research Institute, T.G. Masaryka 22, 960 01 Zvolen, Slovakia; (Z.S.); (P.M.); (P.P.); (J.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
The Necessity of Maintaining the Resilience of Peri-Urban Forests to Secure Environmental and Ecological Balance: A Case Study of Forest Stands Located on the Romanian Sector of the Pannonian Plain. DIVERSITY 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/d15030380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Climate change’s negative effects, such as rising global temperatures and the disruption of global ecological ecosystems as a direct effect of rising carbon emissions in the atmosphere, are a significant concern for human health, communities, and ecosystems. The condition and presence of forest ecosystems, especially those in peri-urban areas, play an essential role in mitigating the negative effects of climate change on society. They provide direct benefits to the residents of large cities and their surrounding areas, and they must be managed sustainably to protect all their component ecosystems. This research was carried out in the forests of Lunca Muresului Natural Park and Bazos Arboretum, located in the Romanian sector of the Pannonian Plain, near urban agglomerations. The results showed high variability in the stands. Using the height-to-diameter ratio indicator concerning dbh and species, a strong Pearson correlation was registered (between 0.45 and 0.82). These values indicate the high stability of these stands, providing positive human–nature interactions such as recreational or outdoor activities (and a complementary yet indirect use value through attractive landscape views). Protecting these ecosystems offers a so-called insurance policy for the next generations from a climate change standpoint.
Collapse
|
5
|
Identification of DNA Methylation Changes in European Beech Seeds during Desiccation and Storage. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043557. [PMID: 36834975 PMCID: PMC9968092 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Ageing and deterioration of seeds is a major problem for the maintenance of seed quality and viability during long-term storage. Prediction of early stages of seed deterioration in order to point out the plantlets' regeneration time is a major challenge of successful storage. In preserved seeds, damages accumulate within cells at the rate mainly related to their moisture content and temperature of storage. Current research reveals global alterations in DNA methylation in lipid-rich intermediate seeds during desiccation and storage at various regimes covering nonoptimal and optimal conditions. We show for the first time that monitoring of 5-methylcytosine (m5C) level in seeds can be used as a truly universal viability marker regardless of postharvest category of seeds and their composition. For seeds stored up to three years, in varied conditions, moisture content, temperature, and time of storage had significant influence on seedling emergence and DNA methylation (p < 0.05). Similarities among lipid-rich intermediate and orthodox seeds regarding different reactions of embryonic axes and cotyledons to desiccation are newly revealed. Along with previous studies on seeds dramatically different in desiccation tolerance (recalcitrant vs. orthodox), results regarding lipid-rich seeds positioned in-between (intermediate) prove that maintaining global DNA methylation status is crucial for maintaining seed viability.
Collapse
|
6
|
Weigel R, Bat-Enerel B, Dulamsuren C, Muffler L, Weithmann G, Leuschner C. Summer drought exposure, stand structure, and soil properties jointly control the growth of European beech along a steep precipitation gradient in northern Germany. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2023; 29:763-779. [PMID: 36426513 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Increasing exposure to climate warming-related drought and heat threatens forest vitality in many regions on earth, with the trees' vulnerability likely depending on local climatic aridity, recent climate trends, edaphic conditions, and the drought acclimatization and adaptation of populations. Studies exploring tree species' vulnerability to climate change often have a local focus or model the species' entire distribution range, which hampers the separation of climatic and edaphic drivers of drought and heat vulnerability. We compared recent radial growth trends and the sensitivity of growth to drought and heat in central populations of a widespread and naturally dominant tree species in Europe, European beech (Fagus sylvatica), at 30 forest sites across a steep precipitation gradient (500-850 mm year-1 ) of short length to assess the species' adaptive potential. Size-standardized basal area increment remained more constant during the period of accelerated warming since the early 1980s in populations with >360 mm growing season precipitation (April-September), while growth trends were negative at sites with <360 mm. Climatic drought in June appeared as the most influential climatic factor affecting radial growth, with a stronger effect at drier sites. A decadal decrease in the climatic water balance of the summer was identified as the most important factor leading to growth decline, which is amplified by higher stem densities. Inter-annual growth variability has increased since the early 1980s, and variability is generally higher at drier and sandier sites. Similarly, within-population growth synchrony is higher at sandier sites and has increased with a decrease in the June climatic water balance. Our results caution against predicting the drought vulnerability of trees solely from climate projections, as soil properties emerged as an important modulating factor. We conclude that beech is facing recent growth decline at drier sites in the centre of its distribution range, driven by climate change-related climate aridification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Weigel
- Plant Ecology and Ecosystems Research, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Banzragch Bat-Enerel
- Plant Ecology and Ecosystems Research, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | | | - Lena Muffler
- Plant Ecology and Ecosystems Research, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Greta Weithmann
- Plant Ecology and Ecosystems Research, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Christoph Leuschner
- Plant Ecology and Ecosystems Research, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Begović K, Schurman JS, Svitok M, Pavlin J, Langbehn T, Svobodová K, Mikoláš M, Janda P, Synek M, Marchand W, Vitková L, Kozák D, Vostarek O, Čada V, Bače R, Svoboda M. Large old trees increase growth under shifting climatic constraints: Aligning tree longevity and individual growth dynamics in primary mountain spruce forests. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2023; 29:143-164. [PMID: 36178428 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In a world of accelerating changes in environmental conditions driving tree growth, tradeoffs between tree growth rate and longevity could curtail the abundance of large old trees (LOTs), with potentially dire consequences for biodiversity and carbon storage. However, the influence of tree-level tradeoffs on forest structure at landscape scales will also depend on disturbances, which shape tree size and age distribution, and on whether LOTs can benefit from improved growing conditions due to climate warming. We analyzed temporal and spatial variation in radial growth patterns from ~5000 Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] H. Karst) live and dead trees from the Western Carpathian primary spruce forest stands. We applied mixed-linear modeling to quantify the importance of LOT growth histories and stand dynamics (i.e., competition and disturbance factors) on lifespan. Finally, we assessed regional synchronization in radial growth variability over the 20th century, and modeled the effects of stand dynamics and climate on LOTs recent growth trends. Tree age varied considerably among forest stands, implying an important role of disturbance as an age constraint. Slow juvenile growth and longer period of suppressed growth prolonged tree lifespan, while increasing disturbance severity and shorter time since last disturbance decreased it. The highest age was not achieved only by trees with continuous slow growth, but those with slow juvenile growth followed by subsequent growth releases. Growth trend analysis demonstrated an increase in absolute growth rates in response to climate warming, with late summer temperatures driving the recent growth trend. Contrary to our expectation that LOTs would eventually exhibit declining growth rates, the oldest LOTs (>400 years) continuously increase growth throughout their lives, indicating a high phenotypic plasticity of LOTs for increasing biomass, and a strong carbon sink role of primary spruce forests under rising temperatures, intensifying droughts, and increasing bark beetle outbreaks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krešimir Begović
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jonathan S Schurman
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Svitok
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Biology and General Ecology, Faculty of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Technical University in Zvolen, Zvolen, Slovakia
| | - Jakob Pavlin
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Thomas Langbehn
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Kristyna Svobodová
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Mikoláš
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Janda
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Synek
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - William Marchand
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Vitková
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Kozák
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Vostarek
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Vojtech Čada
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Radek Bače
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Svoboda
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Roibu CC, Palaghianu C, Nagavciuc V, Ionita M, Sfecla V, Mursa A, Crivellaro A, Stirbu MI, Cotos MG, Popa A, Sfecla I, Popa I. The Response of Beech ( Fagus sylvatica L.) Populations to Climate in the Easternmost Sites of Its European Distribution. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:3310. [PMID: 36501348 PMCID: PMC9738208 DOI: 10.3390/plants11233310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In the context of forecasted climate change scenarios, the growth of forest tree species at their distribution margin is crucial to adapt current forest management strategies. Analyses of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) growth have shown high plasticity, but easternmost beech populations have been rarely studied. To describe the response of the marginal beech population to the climate in the far east sites of its distribution, we first compiled new tree ring width chronologies. Then we analyzed climate-growth relationships for three marginal beech populations in the Republic of Moldova. We observed a relatively high growth rate in the marginal populations compared to core distribution sites. Our analyses further revealed a distinct and significant response of beech growth to all climatic variables, assessing for the first time the relationship between growth and vapor pressure deficit (VPD) which described how plant growth responds to drought. These results highlight that accumulated water deficit is an essential limiting factor of beech growth in this region. In conclusion, beech growth in the easternmost marginal population is drought-limited, and the sensitivity to VPD will need to be considered in future studies to update the forest management of other economic and ecologically important species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cătălin-Constantin Roibu
- Forest Biometrics Laboratory, Faculty of Forestry, “Ștefan cel Mare” University of Suceava, Universității Street, No. 13, 720229 Suceava, Romania
| | - Ciprian Palaghianu
- Forest Biometrics Laboratory, Faculty of Forestry, “Ștefan cel Mare” University of Suceava, Universității Street, No. 13, 720229 Suceava, Romania
| | - Viorica Nagavciuc
- Forest Biometrics Laboratory, Faculty of Forestry, “Ștefan cel Mare” University of Suceava, Universității Street, No. 13, 720229 Suceava, Romania
- Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Am Handelshafen Street No. 12, 27570 Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Monica Ionita
- Forest Biometrics Laboratory, Faculty of Forestry, “Ștefan cel Mare” University of Suceava, Universității Street, No. 13, 720229 Suceava, Romania
- Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Am Handelshafen Street No. 12, 27570 Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Victor Sfecla
- Forest Biometrics Laboratory, Faculty of Forestry, “Ștefan cel Mare” University of Suceava, Universității Street, No. 13, 720229 Suceava, Romania
- Forestry and Plants Protection Department, Technical University of Moldova, Block 1, Stefan cel Mare si Sfant Boulevard 168, MD-2004 Chișinău, Moldova
| | - Andrei Mursa
- Forest Biometrics Laboratory, Faculty of Forestry, “Ștefan cel Mare” University of Suceava, Universității Street, No. 13, 720229 Suceava, Romania
| | - Alan Crivellaro
- Forest Biometrics Laboratory, Faculty of Forestry, “Ștefan cel Mare” University of Suceava, Universității Street, No. 13, 720229 Suceava, Romania
| | - Marian-Ionut Stirbu
- Forest Biometrics Laboratory, Faculty of Forestry, “Ștefan cel Mare” University of Suceava, Universității Street, No. 13, 720229 Suceava, Romania
| | - Mihai-Gabriel Cotos
- Forest Biometrics Laboratory, Faculty of Forestry, “Ștefan cel Mare” University of Suceava, Universității Street, No. 13, 720229 Suceava, Romania
| | - Andrei Popa
- National Research and Development Institute for Silviculture “Marin Drăcea”, Calea Bucovinei No. 76bis, 725100 Câmpulung Moldovenesc, Romania
- Faculty of Silviculture and Forest Engineering, Transilvania University of Brașov, 500036 Brașov, Romania
| | - Irina Sfecla
- Forestry and Plants Protection Department, Technical University of Moldova, Block 1, Stefan cel Mare si Sfant Boulevard 168, MD-2004 Chișinău, Moldova
- “Alexandru Ciubotaru” National Botanical Garden (Institute), 18 Padurii, str., MD-2002 Chisinau, Moldova
| | - Ionel Popa
- National Research and Development Institute for Silviculture “Marin Drăcea”, Calea Bucovinei No. 76bis, 725100 Câmpulung Moldovenesc, Romania
- Center of Mountain Economy, INCE-CE-MONT Vatra Dornei, Petreni Street No. 49, 725700 Vatra Dornei, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Jing M, Zhu L, Liu S, Cao Y, Zhu Y, Yan W. Warming-induced drought leads to tree growth decline in subtropics: Evidence from tree rings in central China. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:964400. [PMID: 36212337 PMCID: PMC9539437 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.964400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Subtropical forests provide diverse ecosystem services to human society. However, how subtropical tree species respond to climate change is still unclear. Using a dendrochronological method, we studied the radial growth patterns and species-specific responses of four main tree species in subtropical China to recent warming and drought. Results showed that the long-term drought caused by global warming and reduced precipitation since 1997 had resulted in the growth decline of Pinus massoniana, Castanea henryi and Castanopsis eyrei but not for Liquidambar formosana. Four species had similar sensitivities to the previous year and the current year, which is probably due to the carryover effect and temporal autocorrelation of climate data. Tree growth was positively correlated with growing season precipitation and relative humidity while negatively correlated with vapor pressure deficit. The negative relationship of tree radial growth with temperatures in the previous and current summer and the positive correlation with precipitation gradually strengthened after 1997. Therefore, we highlighted that drought-induced tree decline in subtropical forests is probably a common phenomenon, and it needed to verify by more tree-ring studies on a large scale. The species-specific responses of tree radial growth to climate change are not obvious, but they still should be considered in regional carbon balance and forest dynamics. Considering future climate change, species that are more drought tolerant should be considered as potential plantation species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengdan Jing
- National Engineering Laboratory for Applied Technology of Forestry and Ecology in South China, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Liangjun Zhu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Applied Technology of Forestry and Ecology in South China, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Shuguang Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Applied Technology of Forestry and Ecology in South China, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Yang Cao
- Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yu Zhu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Applied Technology of Forestry and Ecology in South China, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Wende Yan
- National Engineering Laboratory for Applied Technology of Forestry and Ecology in South China, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Which Are the Best Site and Stand Conditions for Silver Fir (Abies alba Mill.) Located in the Carpathian Mountains? DIVERSITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/d14070547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) is one of the most valuable and productive tree species across European mountains, that accomplish multiple economic, protective and ecologic functions. Alongside spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst) and beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), silver fir is a characteristic species for the Romanian Carpathians. Although silver fir tree is recommended for the diversification of forests in order to increase the resistance to climate change, it is very sensitive to climatic excesses, especially those that proceed rapidly. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate both the environmental conditions and stand characteristics of fir from five mountain ranges of the Romanian Carpathians. The study is based on data recorded over a period of 10 years (1990–2000). As such, a total of 77,251 stands that occupy 211,954 hectares have been investigated in regard to silver fir behaviour. MATLAB scripts were used for analysing consistent data volumes as well as the impact of eight factors on the silver fir productivity (altitude, field aspect, field slope, soil type, participation percentage, road distance, structure and consistency). Our analysis has revealed that higher silver fir productivity is found at altitudes of up to 1200 m, on mid and upper slopes, on NW field aspects, on eutric cambisols and dystric cambisols, with a 10–20% participation in stand composition and in relatively-even aged stands with a full consistency. This study offers valuable insights for forest managers that require comprehensive information in adopting effective strategies to enhance forest resilience under climate change.
Collapse
|
11
|
Miranda JC, Calderaro C, Cocozza C, Lasserre B, Tognetti R, von Arx G. Wood Anatomical Responses of European Beech to Elevation, Land Use Change, and Climate Variability in the Central Apennines, Italy. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:855741. [PMID: 35401623 PMCID: PMC8983936 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.855741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) is a widespread and economically important temperate tree species in Europe. The warmer temperatures and severe drought events expected in the future, especially in Mediterranean areas, could affect the vitality and productivity of beech stands that have been intensively used in these areas in the past. Here, we aim to assess the wood anatomical responses of beech to environmental variability and silvicultural practices by investigating three beech stands along an elevational gradient (1,200 to 1,950 m a.s.l.) in the Apennines (Italy). Therefore, we quantified several anatomical traits of the xylem vessels related to tree hydraulics from five trees per stand and investigated variability between and within tree rings. Our results suggest generally limited trait plasticity, with higher plasticity of mean vessel lumen area and theoretical hydraulic conductivity, while maximum vessel size and mean hydraulic diameter were less plastic, likely because of the stronger determination by tree height. High-elevation trees were hydraulically more limited than trees at a mid and lower elevation as indicated by the more conservative anatomical configuration, i.e., comparatively smaller vessels and a 50% tighter trait coordination. Cessation of coppicing resulted in a hydraulically safer anatomy with comparatively smaller vessels at the most intensively used site (1,200 m), triggered by increased water demand due to an increase in canopy density, and thus, an increase in stand transpiration. Furthermore, maximum vessel size at the beginning showed different climate sensitivity compared to the rest of the tree ring, while intra-ring anatomical profiles showed little difference between normal and the 5 years with the highest and lowest mean temperature and precipitation. Overall, this study highlights the challenges to separate the externally induced medium- to longer-term responses from ontogenetically determined patterns. We, therefore, call for more comprehensive studies to further explore and verify the plasticity of wood anatomical traits in European beech in response to short- to long-term environmental fluctuations to gain a mechanistic understanding useful for sustainable forest ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jose Carlos Miranda
- Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Chiara Calderaro
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze e Territorio, Università degli Studi del Molise, Pesche, Italy
| | - Claudia Cocozza
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agrarie, Alimentari Ambientali e Forestali, Università di Firenze, Firenze, Italy
| | - Bruno Lasserre
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze e Territorio, Università degli Studi del Molise, Pesche, Italy
| | - Roberto Tognetti
- Dipartimento di Agricoltura, Ambiente e Alimenti, Università degli Studi del Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Georg von Arx
- Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
- Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
A Tree Ring Proxy Evaluation of Declining Causes in Pinus sylvestris L. and Pinus nigra J.F. Arnold in Northeastern Romania. FORESTS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/f13020336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Drought-induced dieback has been extensively studied in various forests habitats. We used a retrospective tree ring width (TRW), basal area increment (BAI), oxygen isotope ratios in tree ring cellulose (δ18OTR) and carbon isotope ratios in tree ring cellulose (δ13CTR) to assess causes in declining Pinus sylvestris L. and Pinus nigra J.F. Arnold. The climate data analysis indicates a significant increased trend occurred after 1980 in minimum, mean and maximum temperature and a reduced amount of precipitation compared to the 1920–1980-time scale. According to the Palmer Drought Severity Index, we found two extreme drought years (1946 and 2000) and three years with severe drought (1990, 2003 and 2012). One-way ANOVA indicated no significant difference between P. nigra and P sylvestris tree ring width, basal area increment, but a considerable difference between δ13CTR and δ18OTR. Basal area increment evaluated the climate-growth relationship most accurately, comparing to δ18OTR and δ13CTR, which explained the influences of environmental factors in tree rings formation. The δ13CTR was mainly negatively correlated with high temperatures from April-August current growing seasons. The negative correlation between δ13CTR and NDVI indices (June, August) shows a decreased carbon uptake induced by drought from summer to early autumn. The low δ18OTR signal was associated with a complex of factors, including the strong influence of heavy precipitation occurring in the growing season and a weak reaction of declined trees to resources. Species-specific responses to drought in 1990, 2003 and 2012 indicated P. sylvestris as more sensitive to drought whit higher demand for water supply in the optimal compared with P. nigra. Weak and unstable correlations in time with increasing/decreasing values in drought periods were obtained more accurately using δ18OTR compared to δ13CTR. The species-specific resilience response to drought years showed a weak resilience and resistance in P. sylvestris occurred more evident after the 2012 event compared to less sensitive P. nigra trees. Decision-makers can use presented results to reinforce specific management plans capable of protecting and changing local compositions where is the case with species more resistant to drouth.
Collapse
|
13
|
Abstract
Mountains are highly sensitive to the effects of climate change, including extreme short- and long-term weather phenomena. Therefore, in spite of relatively high annual precipitation totals, mountains might become endangered by droughts. The paper presents drought trends in the Polish Carpathians located in Central Europe. Data from the period 1991–2020 from 12 meteorological stations located in various vertical climate zones of the mountains were used to define drought conditions using the following indices: Standardized Precipitation (SPI), Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration (SPEI), Relative Precipitation (RPI) and Sielianinov. Additionally, four forest drought indices were used in order to estimate the impact of drought on beech as a typical Carpathian tree species, i.e., the Ellenberg (EQ), Forestry Aridity (FAI), Mayr Tetratherm (MT) and De Martonne Aridity (AI) indices. Statistically significant but weak trends were obtained for the 6-month SPI for four stations (indicating an increase in seasonal to mid-term precipitation), for the 1-month SPEI for three stations, for the 3-month SPEI for four stations, and for MT for all stations (indicating an increase in drought intensity). The analysis of dry month frequency according to particular indices shows that at most of the stations during the last decade of the study period, the frequency of dry months was much higher than in previous decades, especially in the cold half-year. Two zones of the Polish Carpathians are the most prone to drought occurrence: the peak zone due to the shift in climatic vertical zones triggered by the air temperature increase, and the forelands and foothills, together with basins located about 200–400 m a.s.l., where the mean annual air temperature is the highest in all the vertical profile, the annual sums of precipitation are very diversified, and the conditions for beech are already unfavorable.
Collapse
|
14
|
Effect of Climate Change on the Growth of Endangered Scree Forests in Krkonoše National Park (Czech Republic). FORESTS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/f12081127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Scree forests with large numbers of protected plants and wildlife are seriously threatened by climate change due to more frequent drought episodes, which cause challenges for very stony, shallow soils. The effect of environmental factors on the radial growth of five tree species—European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.), sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus L.), European ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.), and mountain elm (Ulmus glabra Huds.)—was studied in the mixed stands (105–157 years) in the western Krkonoše Mountains (Czech Republic) concerning climate change. These are communities of maple to fir beechwoods (association Aceri-Fagetum sylvaticae and Luzulo-Abietetum albae) on ranker soils at the altitude 590–700 m a.s.l. Production, structure, and biodiversity were evaluated in seven permanent research plots and the relationships of the radial growth (150 cores) to climatic parameters (precipitation, temperature, and extreme conditions) and air pollution (SO2, NOX, ozone exposure). The stand volume reached 557–814 m3 ha−1 with high production potential of spruce and ash. The radial growth of beech and spruce growing in relatively favorable habitat conditions (deeper soil profile and less skeletal soils) has increased by 16.6%–46.1% in the last 20 years. By contrast, for sycamore and ash growing in more extreme soil conditions, the radial growth decreased by 12.5%–14.6%. However, growth variability increased (12.7%–29.5%) for all tree species, as did the occurrence of negative pointer years (extremely low radial growth) in the last two decades. The most sensitive tree species to climate and air pollution were spruce and beech compared to the resilience of sycamore and ash. Spectral analysis recorded the largest cyclical fluctuations (especially the 12-year solar cycle) in spruce, while ash did not show any significant cycle processes. The limiting factors of growth were droughts with high temperatures in the vegetation period for spruce and late frosts for beech. According to the degree of extreme habitat conditions, individual tree species thus respond appropriately to advancing climate change, especially to an increase in the mean temperature (by 2.1 °C), unevenness in precipitation, and occurrence of extreme climate events in the last 60 years.
Collapse
|
15
|
Estimation of the Productivity Potential of Mountain Sites (Mixed Beech-Coniferous Stands) in the Romanian Carpathians. FORESTS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/f12050549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Research Highlights: This study highlighted the possibility of estimating the productivity of mountain sites (mixed beech-coniferous stands) based on tree and stand dendrometric characteristics. Background and Objectives: The mountainous region of Romania offers suitable conditions for the formation and development of mixed beech-coniferous stands with complex, multi-aged structures. Based on the dendrometric characteristics of the trees, established indicators were used to estimate the productivity of the sites, with other quantitative indicators being proposed to better capture the particularities of mixed multi-aged stands. Materials and Methods: To evaluate the productive potential of the sites, a combined in situ mapping method was applied. Laboratory analyses of soils, and information provided indirectly by indicator plant and tree overstories, led to the characterization of soil types and the identification of forest sites for study. The productivity of the sites was estimated using quantitative indicators established based on the dendrometric characteristics of the trees and stands. Results: Indicators based on stand production and growth are relevant for multi-aged stands of mixed beech-coniferous formation. The ratio between tree volume and the basal area is the result of basal area and height increments, both of which are variable and depend on the quality of the site. Thus, a form height stand can be used as an indicator to characterize the productivity of the site in mixed multi-aged stands. Conclusions: Knowing the ecological specificity of sites in the formation of mixed beech-coniferous forests is a first condition necessary to achieving stable stands that are able to continuously fulfill multiple functions. The favorability of forest sites for a certain assortment of species is a fundamental character of the sites, which is essential for the management of these forest formations.
Collapse
|
16
|
Intraspecific Growth Response to Drought of Abies alba in the Southeastern Carpathians. FORESTS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/f12040387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The intensity and frequency of drought have increased considerably during the last decades in southeastern Europe, and projected scenarios suggest that southern and central Europe will be affected by more drought events by the end of the 21st century. In this context, assessing the intraspecific genetic variation of forest tree species and identifying populations expected to be best adapted to future climate conditions is essential for increasing forest productivity and adaptability. Using a tree-ring database from 60 populations of 38-year-old silver fir (Abies alba) in five trial sites established across Romania, we studied the variation of growth and wood characteristics, provenance-specific response to drought, and climate-growth relationships during the period 1997–2018. The drought response of provenances was determined by four drought parameters: resistance, recovery, resilience, and relative resilience. Based on the standardized precipitation index, ten years with extreme and severe drought were identified for all trial sites. Considerable differences in radial growth, wood characteristics, and drought response parameters among silver fir provenances have been found. The provenances’ ranking by resistance, recovery, and resilience revealed that a number of provenances from Bulgaria, Italy, Romania, and Czech Republic placed in the top ranks in almost all sites. Additionally, there are provenances that combine high productivity and drought tolerance. The correlations between drought parameters and wood characters are positive, the most significant correlations being obtained between radial growth and resilience. Correlations between drought parameters and wood density were non-significant, indicating that wood density cannot be used as indicator of drought sensitivity. The negative correlations between radial growth and temperature during the growing season and the positive correlations with precipitation suggest that warming and water deficit could have a negative impact on silver fir growth in climatic marginal sites. Silvicultural practices and adaptive management should rely on selection and planting of forest reproductive material with high drought resilience in current and future reforestation programs.
Collapse
|
17
|
Chen K, Jiao L, Liu X, Qi C, Xue R. Evaluation of the response stability of two dominant conifer species to climate change in the southern margin of the Tengger Desert. Glob Ecol Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e01439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
|
18
|
Influence of Warmer and Drier Environmental Conditions on Species-Specific Stem Circumference Dynamics and Water Status of Conifers in Submontane Zone of Central Slovakia. WATER 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/w12102945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The frequency and intensity of droughts and heatwaves in Europe with notable impact on forest growth are expected to increase due to climate change. Coniferous stands planted outside the natural habitats of species belong to the most threatened forests. In this study, we assess stem circumference response of coniferous species (Larix decidua and Abies alba) to environmental conditions during the years 2015–2019. The study was performed in Arboretum in Zvolen (ca. 300 m a.s.l., Central Slovakia) characterised by a warmer and drier climate when compared to their natural habitats (located above 900 m a.s.l.), where they originated from. Seasonal radial variation, tree water deficit (ΔW), and maximum daily shrinkage (MDS) were derived from the records obtained from band dendrometers installed on five mature trees per species. Monitored species exhibited remarkably different growth patterns under highly above normal temperatures and uneven precipitation distribution. The magnitudes of reversible circumference changes (ΔW, MDS) were species-specific and strongly correlated with environmental factors. The wavelet analysis identified species-specific vulnerability to drought indicated by pronounced diurnal stem variation periodicity in rainless periods. L. decidua exhibited more strained stem water status and higher sensitivity to environmental conditions than A. alba. Tree water deficit and maximum daily shrinkage were found appropriate characteristics to compare water status of different tree species.
Collapse
|
19
|
Ciceu A, Popa I, Leca S, Pitar D, Chivulescu S, Badea O. Climate change effects on tree growth from Romanian forest monitoring Level II plots. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 698:134129. [PMID: 31499344 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Forest health status is negatively influenced by climate change, air pollution and other disturbances. Extreme droughts reduce stand productivity, increase vulnerability to pests, and can even provoke mortality. Growth dynamics at tree and forest stand levels are considered the main indicators of stability and productivity in forest ecosystem structures. The main climate drivers for tree growth were identified using basal area increment (BAI) as a synthetic indicator. BAI chronologies were obtained from increment cores for 1960-2012 period. Six species were analysed in an attempt to identify their growth limiting factors. For the most important oak species in Romania, resilience components were computed in order to analyse their response to drought events. Moreover, growth dynamics were analysed for two species in mixed and monoculture forests. The results suggest that - in comparison to Picea abies and Fagus sylvatica, the sensitivity of Quercus spp. is much higher (0.3-0.47). Oakspecies situated in the most drought-affected areas are sensitive to rainfall values from the previous autumn, current spring, and early summer, with April monthly values having the most significant effect on BAI increment (r = 0.47*) The most sensitive species to drought is Q. cerris and Q. frainetto. Their BAI reduction during drought is >50% compared with the BAI values before the drought period. The recovery capacity of tree growth following drought events is lower for Q. robur and Q. petraea and higher for Q. cerris and Q. frainetto. The mixed forest stands have not showed a constant higher resistance to drought.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Albert Ciceu
- National Institute for Research and Development in Forestry "Marin Drăcea" - INCDS, 128 Eroilor Bvd., 077030 Voluntari, Romania.
| | - Ionel Popa
- National Institute for Research and Development in Forestry "Marin Drăcea" - INCDS, 128 Eroilor Bvd., 077030 Voluntari, Romania
| | - Stefan Leca
- National Institute for Research and Development in Forestry "Marin Drăcea" - INCDS, 128 Eroilor Bvd., 077030 Voluntari, Romania.
| | - Diana Pitar
- National Institute for Research and Development in Forestry "Marin Drăcea" - INCDS, 128 Eroilor Bvd., 077030 Voluntari, Romania.
| | - Serban Chivulescu
- National Institute for Research and Development in Forestry "Marin Drăcea" - INCDS, 128 Eroilor Bvd., 077030 Voluntari, Romania.
| | - Ovidiu Badea
- National Institute for Research and Development in Forestry "Marin Drăcea" - INCDS, 128 Eroilor Bvd., 077030 Voluntari, Romania; Transilvania University of Brașov, 29 Eroilor Bvd, 500036 Brașov, Romania.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Vanhellemont M, Sousa-Silva R, Maes SL, Van den Bulcke J, Hertzog L, De Groote SRE, Van Acker J, Bonte D, Martel A, Lens L, Verheyen K. Distinct growth responses to drought for oak and beech in temperate mixed forests. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 650:3017-3026. [PMID: 30373078 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.10.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2018] [Revised: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Droughts are expected to become more intense and frequent. Mixed forests can be more resilient to extreme events, but are the individual trees in mixed forests also more resilient to drought? METHODS We sampled 275 trees in 53 temperate forest stands in northern Belgium: monocultures, two-species mixtures, and the three-species mixture of Fagus sylvatica, Quercus robur, and Q. rubra. We related the annual basal area increment of individual trees to drought severity from 1955 to 2015 and calculated growth resistance, recovery, and resilience for six contrasting drought episodes (spring, summer, or full-year drought). RESULTS Tree growth of the diffuse-porous F. sylvatica was more sensitive to drought, summer drought in particular. The ring-porous Q. robur and Q. rubra were mainly affected by spring drought. In general, a tree's growth response to drought was not affected by tree species diversity, but some identity effects emerged. CONCLUSION The asynchrony in drought responses among the tree species (a large and immediate decrease in growth followed by swift recovery in F. sylvatica vs a smaller delayed response in Quercus) might stabilize productivity in forests in which both are present. The impact of the predicted increasing drought frequency will depend on the timing of the droughts (spring vs summer).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margot Vanhellemont
- Forest & Nature Lab, Department of Environment, Ghent University, Geraardsbergsesteenweg 267, 9090 Gontrode, Belgium.
| | - Rita Sousa-Silva
- Institut des Sciences de la Forêt Tempérée (ISFORT), Département des Sciences Naturelles, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Ripon, QC J0V 1V0, Canada
| | - Sybryn L Maes
- Forest & Nature Lab, Department of Environment, Ghent University, Geraardsbergsesteenweg 267, 9090 Gontrode, Belgium
| | - Jan Van den Bulcke
- UGent-Woodlab, Department of Environment, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Lionel Hertzog
- Terrestrial Ecology Unit, Ghent University, K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Stefanie R E De Groote
- Forest & Nature Lab, Department of Environment, Ghent University, Geraardsbergsesteenweg 267, 9090 Gontrode, Belgium
| | - Joris Van Acker
- UGent-Woodlab, Department of Environment, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Dries Bonte
- Terrestrial Ecology Unit, Ghent University, K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - An Martel
- Department Pathology, Bacteriology and Avian Diseases, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Luc Lens
- Terrestrial Ecology Unit, Ghent University, K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Kris Verheyen
- Forest & Nature Lab, Department of Environment, Ghent University, Geraardsbergsesteenweg 267, 9090 Gontrode, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Mausolf K, Wilm P, Härdtle W, Jansen K, Schuldt B, Sturm K, von Oheimb G, Hertel D, Leuschner C, Fichtner A. Higher drought sensitivity of radial growth of European beech in managed than in unmanaged forests. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 642:1201-1208. [PMID: 30045501 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.06.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Revised: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Climate extremes are predicted to become more frequent and intense in future. Thus, understanding how trees respond to adverse climatic conditions is crucial for evaluating possible future changes in forest ecosystem functioning. Although much information about climate effects on the growth of temperate trees has been collected in recent decades, our understanding of the influence of forest management legacies on climate-growth relationships is still limited. We used individual tree-ring chronologies from managed and unmanaged European beech forests, located in the same growth district (i.e. with almost identical climatic and soil conditions), to examine how forest management legacies (recently managed with selection cutting, >20 years unmanaged, >50 years unmanaged) influence the radial growth of Fagus sylvatica during fluctuating climatic conditions. On average, trees in managed stands had higher radial growth rate than trees in unmanaged stands during the last two decades a 50%. However, the beech trees in the unmanaged stands were less sensitive to drought than those in the managed stands. This effect was most pronounced in the forest with longest management abandonment (>50 years), indicating that the drought sensitivity of mature beech trees is in these forests the lower, the longer the period since forest management cessation is. Management-mediated modifications in crown size and thus water demand are one likely cause of the observed higher climate sensitivity of beech in the managed stands. Our results indicate a possible trade-off between radial growth rate and drought tolerance of beech. This suggests that reducing stem density for maximizing the radial growth of target trees, as is common practice in managed forests, can increase the trees' drought sensitivity. In the prospect of climate change, more information on the impact of forest management practices on the climate-growth relationships of trees is urgently needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Mausolf
- Leuphana University of Lüneburg, Institute of Ecology, Universitätsallee 1, 21335 Lüneburg, Germany.
| | - Paul Wilm
- Leuphana University of Lüneburg, Institute of Ecology, Universitätsallee 1, 21335 Lüneburg, Germany
| | - Werner Härdtle
- Leuphana University of Lüneburg, Institute of Ecology, Universitätsallee 1, 21335 Lüneburg, Germany
| | - Kirstin Jansen
- Leuphana University of Lüneburg, Institute of Ecology, Universitätsallee 1, 21335 Lüneburg, Germany
| | - Bernhard Schuldt
- University of Goettingen, Albrecht von Haller Institute for Plant Sciences, Plant Ecology and Ecosystems Research, Untere Karspüle 2, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Knut Sturm
- Community Forest Lübeck, Alt Lauerhof 1, 23568 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Goddert von Oheimb
- Technische Universität Dresden, Institute of General Ecology and Environmental Protection, Pienner Straße 7, 01737 Tharandt, Germany
| | - Dietrich Hertel
- University of Goettingen, Albrecht von Haller Institute for Plant Sciences, Plant Ecology and Ecosystems Research, Untere Karspüle 2, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Christoph Leuschner
- University of Goettingen, Albrecht von Haller Institute for Plant Sciences, Plant Ecology and Ecosystems Research, Untere Karspüle 2, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Andreas Fichtner
- Leuphana University of Lüneburg, Institute of Ecology, Universitätsallee 1, 21335 Lüneburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|