Needle longevity of Scots pine in relation to foliar nitrogen content, specific leaf area, and shoot growth in different forest types

2002 ◽  
Vol 32 (7) ◽  
pp. 1225-1231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margus Pensa ◽  
Arne Sellin
Keyword(s):  
Nitrogen Content ◽  
Leaf Area ◽  
Scots Pine ◽  
Specific Leaf Area ◽  
Specific Pattern ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Forest Types ◽  
Needle Age ◽  
Needle Longevity ◽  
Length Increment

The aim of the study was to examine whether the variation in needle longevity of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) is of a community-specific nature. Altogether 300 trees were examined in Vaccinium, dry heath, and pine bog forests in Estonia. Mean number of needle age-classes was 4.1 for all forest types, while mean survivorship of needles averaged 70% in Vaccinium forests and 80% in the others (p < 0.01). Mean mass-based nitrogen content (Nm) of the needles was the highest in Vaccinium forests (11.8 mg·g–1, p < 0.05) and lower in dry heath (10.4 mg·g–1) and pine bog (9.8 mg·g–1) forests. Specific leaf area (SLA) did not differ between Vaccinium (6.3 mm2·mg–1) and dry heath (6.0 mm2·mg–1) forests but was lower in pine bog forests (5.5 mm2·mg–1, p < 0.05). Shoot length increment was the smallest in pine bog forests (45.1 mm·year–1, p < 0.05) and did not differ between Vaccinium (92.2 mm·year–1) and dry heath (95.2 mm·year–1) forests. Our findings confirm that the small-scale variation in needle longevity of Scots pine has a community-specific pattern and is in accordance with the trends in Nm and SLA.

scholarly journals The sensitivity of stand-scale photosynthesis and transpiration to changes in atmospheric CO2 concentration and climate

1999 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Kruijt ◽  
C. Barton ◽  
A. Rey ◽  
P. G. Jarvis
Keyword(s):  
Water Stress ◽  
Nitrogen Content ◽  
Leaf Area ◽  
Water Use ◽  
N Uptake ◽  
Co2 Concentration ◽  
Picea Sitchensis ◽  
Atmospheric Co2 ◽  
Atmospheric Co2 Concentration ◽  
Needle Longevity

Abstract. The 3-dimensional forest model MAESTRO was used to simulate daily and annual photosynthesis and transpiration fluxes of forest stands and the sensitivity of these fluxes to potential changes in atmospheric CO2 concentration ([CO2]), temperature, water stress and phenology. The effects of possible feed-backs from increased leaf area and limitations to leaf nutrition were simulated by imposing changes in leaf area and nitrogen content. Two different tree species were considered: Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr., a conifer with long needle longevity and large leaf area, and Betula pendula Roth., a broad-leaved deciduous species with an open canopy and small leaf area. Canopy photosynthetic production in trees was predicted to increase with atmospheric [CO2] and length of the growing season and to decrease with increased water stress. Associated increases in leaf area increased production further only in the B. pendula canopy, where the original leaf area was relatively small. Assumed limitations in N uptake affected B. pendula more than P. sitchensis. The effect of increased temperature was shown to depend on leaf area and nitrogen content. The different sensitivities of the two species were related to their very different canopy structure. Increased [CO2] reduced transpiration, but larger leaf area, early leaf growth, and higher temperature all led to increased water use. These effects were limited by feedbacks from soil water stress. The simulations suggest that, with the projected climate change, there is some increase in stand annual `water use efficiency', but the actual water losses to the atmosphere may not always decrease.

scholarly journals Needle longevity as a criterion of response to a climatic fluctuation (so called heat wave) in Scots pine populations at early phases of ontogeny

2012 ◽  
Vol 58 (No. 1) ◽  
pp. 27-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Nárovec ◽  
J. Nárovcová
Keyword(s):  
Scots Pine ◽  
Heat Waves ◽  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Age Classes ◽  
Needle Age ◽  
Local Climate ◽  
Dry Spells ◽  
Needle Longevity ◽  
Reproduction Period ◽  
The Impact

The paper presents results of an assessment of needle age classes in Scots pine partial populations in the period of three and five years after outplanting in a lowland site in relation to conditions created by climatic elements. The method is based on Skuhrav&yacute;&rsquo;s (1987) description when the state of needle age classes of the third whorl (from the apex) is evaluated just once. Five-year summary of meteorological data was assessed according to the criteria of determination of periods of heat waves and dry spells. Differences in numbers of living needle age classes in the groups of Scots pine populations in the period of three and five years after their outplanting in permanent lowland sites proved the highest total number of living needle classes in the group of local lowland populations. On the contrary, the lowest total number of living needle classes was found out in the group of mountain populations. Critical climatic periods are overlaps of heat waves and dry spells that illustrate the complexity of moisture and temperature conditions of lowland sites. Although the Scots pine is a xerophytic species, it responded to the cumulation of adverse factors by accelerated needle senescence. Its physiological response to heat and dry stress consists in needle shedding, i.e. reduction in the assimilating area. As mountain populations are not usually exposed to heat waves, the impact of this phenomenon on them was the highest. On the other hand, the local (lowland) populations carrying information on the patterns of local climate from the reproduction period do not undergo any marked reduction in needle age classes. &nbsp;

scholarly journals The Effects of Tree and Stand Traits on the Specific Leaf Area in Managed Scots Pine Forests of Different Ages

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 396
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Błasiak ◽  
Andrzej Węgiel ◽  
Adrian Łukowski ◽  
Sławomir Sułkowski ◽  
Mieczysław Turski
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Area ◽  
Scots Pine ◽  
Specific Leaf Area ◽  
Stand Structure ◽  
Light Exposure ◽  
Direct Method ◽  
Stand Density ◽  
Tree Age ◽  
Structure Tree ◽  
Northwestern Poland

The purpose of this study was to understand the relationships between stand structure (tree size, volume, biomass, social position, stand density) and the variability of specific leaf area (SLA) at the stand level, which could improve forest management modeling. The study was carried out on 100 trees selected from 10 stands of Scots pine located in northwestern Poland. The stands had been established in a similar way and were similarly managed. Five mid-aged (51–60 years) and five mature (81–90 years) pure Scots pine stands were selected. To obtain the SLA index, we used the direct method, which involves scanning ca. 50 needles from each part of the tree crown. The average SLA was from 4.65 to 6.62 m2·kg−1 and differed significantly according to the part of the crown measured (p < 0.0001) and the tree age (p < 0.0001). The smallest SLA was in the upper part of the crown and the largest in the lower part of the crown, which is in line with the known relation to the light exposure of needles. Mid-aged stands of Scots pine have higher SLA values than mature ones. Dominant trees in mid-aged stands have a lower SLA than more shaded intermediate ones, which is probably due to the different lighting conditions within the canopy. No clear relationship is observed between the stand density and the SLA.

scholarly journals Relationship between Maximum Leaf Photosynthesis, Nitrogen Content and Specific Leaf Area in Balearic Endemic and Non‐endemic Mediterranean Species

2003 ◽  
Vol 92 (2) ◽  
pp. 215-222 ◽  
Author(s):  
JAVIER GULÍAS ◽  
JAUME FLEXAS ◽  
MAURICI MUS ◽  
JOSEP CIFRE ◽  
ELKADRI LEFI ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nitrogen Content ◽  
Leaf Area ◽  
Specific Leaf Area ◽  
Leaf Photosynthesis ◽  
Mediterranean Species

Scots pine needle longevity and gradation of needle shedding along pollution gradients

2001 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 261-267 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jukka Lamppu ◽  
Satu Huttunen
Keyword(s):  
Scots Pine ◽  
Age Structure ◽  
Time Span ◽  
Marked Variation ◽  
Pine Needle ◽  
Pollution Gradient ◽  
Needle Age ◽  
Vegetation Zones ◽  
Adult Trees ◽  
Needle Longevity

Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) needle longevity and gradation of needle shedding (the time span with 90–10% needle survival) in the middle and northern boreal vegetation zones were studied. The duration of the first half of gradual shedding (the time span with 90–50% needle survival) was of special interest, because it represents the number of youngest cohorts that have lost needle biomass. Branches of adult trees along transects with an air pollution gradient were sampled. Mean longevity (the sum of survival proportions) decreased 15–40% as pollution sources were approached. To rank or compare the values of a single needle age parameter, we prefer to use mean longevity. It gives an estimate of the whole needle biomass, and it was the parameter with the least variation. The first half of gradual shedding proved to be a valid indicator of changes in needle age structure. The most marked variation in needle age structure was seen in slightly polluted areas, which continued to pose a risk of acute pollution injuries. This study confirmed the feasibility of the needle age structure of branch samples as an objective and reliable vitality indicator for Scots pine.

Specific leaf area and needle weight of Norway spruce (Piceaabies) in stands of different densities

1985 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 389-392 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Hager ◽  
H. Sterba
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Area ◽  
Norway Spruce ◽  
Specific Leaf Area ◽  
Polynomial Regression ◽  
Regression Function ◽  
Dry Mass ◽  
Total Leaf Area ◽  
Needle Age ◽  
Spruce Stands ◽  
A Minor

During an investigation on the effects of differing stand densities on biomass distribution, owing to thinning in 17-year-old Norway spruce stands, specific leaf area (SLA) and 100-needle dry mass were measured for three diameter at breast height (DBH) classes, five canopy sections, and two needle age-classes. Mean SLA was found to be 50 ± 17 cm2/g. High correlation of SLA and 100-needle dry mass with DBH, crown position, and needle age was found. Older needles had a lower mean SLA than the current years needles, while they did not differ significantly in their 100-needles dry mass. Thinning proved to be a minor factor for foliage variability, since DBH, which is dependent upon thinning and the trees competitive status, explained a major part of variation in leaf morphology. A third-degree polynomial regression function could be developed to predict SLA from 100-needle dry mass. This function shows wide validity. It applies to all DBH classes and crown sections. It also shows good fit for older trees from totally different sites. To predict the total leaf area of a crown stratum, only the dry mass of 100 needles and the total needle biomass of the stratum must be known.

Variation in Scots pine needle longevity and nutrient conservation in different habitats and latitudes

2007 ◽  
Vol 37 (9) ◽  
pp. 1599-1604 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margus Pensa ◽  
Risto Jalkanen ◽  
Valdo Liblik
Keyword(s):  
Scots Pine ◽  
Nutrient Concentration ◽  
Shoot Growth ◽  
Shoot Length ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Species Variation ◽  
Nitrogen And Phosphorus ◽  
Needle Age ◽  
Needle Longevity ◽  
Nutrient Conservation

Within-species variation in needle traits is an important characteristic of conifers enabling trees to grow in different environments. We compared mean needle age (NA), shoot growth, and nutrient conservation in Scots pine ( Pinus sylvestris L.) populations in different habitats and latitudes (peatlands and Vaccinium -type stands in Estonia (59°N) and Lapland (66°30′N)). In Vaccinium-type stands, trees with higher NA (mostly in Lapland) had lower shoot length increment and lower concentration of nitrogen and phosphorus in current-year needles than trees with low NA (mostly in Estonia). However, in peatlands, variation in NA (which was as high as in the Vaccinium-type stands) was weakly or insignificantly related to shoot growth and needle nutrient concentration. Within latitudes, pines with different shoot length increments and needle nutrient concentrations tend to have similar NAs. Resorption efficiency and concentration of nitrogen and phosphorus in senescent needles decreased with the initial concentrations of these nutrients in green needles. Our results demonstrate that slow growth and low needle nutrient concentration are not necessarily followed by higher NA and greater nutrient conservation in Scots pine. This is the opposite of the results often obtained in among-species comparisons or within species along latitudinal and altitudinal gradients.

Variation of specific leaf area and upscaling to leaf area index in mature Scots pine

Trees ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 304-310 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chun-Wang Xiao ◽  
I. A. Janssens ◽  
J. Curiel Yuste ◽  
R. Ceulemans
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Area Index ◽  
Leaf Area ◽  
Scots Pine ◽  
Specific Leaf Area ◽  
Area Index
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