scholarly journals Radial Growth Response of European Larch Provenances to Interannual Climate Variation in Poland

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 334
Author(s):  
Norbert Szymański ◽  
Sławomir Wilczyński

The present study identified the similarities and differences in the radial growth responses of 20 provenances of 51-year-old European larch (Larix decidua Mill.) trees from Poland to the climatic conditions at three provenance trials situated in the Polish lowlands (Siemianice), uplands (Bliżyn) and mountains (Krynica). A chronology of radial growth indices was developed for each of 60 European larch populations, which highlighted the interannual variations in the climate-mediated radial growth of their trees. With the aid of principal component, correlation and multiple regression analysis, supra-regional climatic elements were identified to which all the larch provenances reacted similarly at all three provenance trials. They increased the radial growth in years with a short, warm and precipitation-rich winter; a cool and humid summer and when high precipitation in late autumn of the previous year was noted. Moreover, other climatic elements were identified to which two groups of the larch provenances reacted differently at each provenance trial. In the lowland climate, the provenances reacted differently to temperature in November to December of the previous year and July and to precipitation in September. In the upland climate, the provenances differed in growth sensitivity to precipitation in October of the previous year and June–September. In the mountain climate, the provenances responded differently to temperature and precipitation in September of the previous year and to precipitation in February, June and September of the year of tree ring formation. The results imply that both climatic factors and origin (genotype), i.e., the genetic factor, mediate the climate–growth relationships of larch provenances.

2021 ◽  
pp. 41-48
Author(s):  
Halina A. Kamyshenka

The results of a statistical assessment of the influence of changing weather and climatic conditions of the territory of Belarus on the productivity of the main winter cereal crops are presented in order to build computational models of productivity. The calculations were made with respect to the climatic component as a predictor, taking into account the deviations of air temperature and precipitation from the long-term climatic norm of months that have the most significant effect on the yield of the studied crops. For winter rye and wheat, adequate models of yield variability have been built. The research results are relevant for solving forecasting problems.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Domen Arnič ◽  
Jožica Gričar ◽  
Jernej Jevšenak ◽  
Gregor Božič ◽  
Georg von Arx ◽  
...  

European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) adapts to local growing conditions to enhance its performance. In response to variations in climatic conditions, beech trees adjust leaf phenology, cambial phenology, and wood formation patterns, which result in different tree-ring widths (TRWs) and wood anatomy. Chronologies of tree ring width and vessel features [i.e., mean vessel area (MVA), vessel density (VD), and relative conductive area (RCTA)] were produced for the 1960–2016 period for three sites that differ in climatic regimes and spring leaf phenology (two early- and one late-flushing populations). These data were used to investigate long-term relationships between climatic conditions and anatomical features of four quarters of tree-rings at annual and intra-annual scales. In addition, we investigated how TRW and vessel features adjust in response to extreme weather events (i.e., summer drought). We found significant differences in TRW, VD, and RCTA among the selected sites. Precipitation and maximum temperature before and during the growing season were the most important climatic factors affecting TRW and vessel characteristics. We confirmed differences in climate-growth relationships between the selected sites, late flushing beech population at Idrija showing the least pronounced response to climate. MVA was the only vessel trait that showed no relationship with TRW or other vessel features. The relationship between MVA and climatic factors evaluated at intra-annual scale indicated that vessel area in the first quarter of tree-ring were mainly influenced by climatic conditions in the previous growing season, while vessel area in the second to fourth quarters of tree ring width was mainly influenced by maximum temperature and precipitation in the current growing season. When comparing wet and dry years, beech from all sites showed a similar response, with reduced TRW and changes in intra-annual variation in vessel area. Our findings suggest that changes in temperature and precipitation regimes as predicted by most climate change scenarios will affect tree-ring increments and wood structure in beech, yet the response between sites or populations may differ.


2020 ◽  
Vol 66 (No. 2) ◽  
pp. 49-62
Author(s):  
Anna Prokůpková

The paper deals with the effect of environmental factors and management on various mixed lowland forests in the Medník National Natural Monument, Czech Republic, over a 20-year period. The objectives were to evaluate the structure, production, dynamics and radial growth in relation to climatic conditions in the mixed hornbeam-oak, herb-rich beech and spruce forest stands. The tree density decreased by 8.5% (to 120–1,364 trees·ha<sup>–1</sup>), while stand volume increased by 28.0% (to 244–767 m<sup>3</sup>·ha<sup>–1</sup>) from 1998 to 2018. Large-leaved lime (Tilia platyphyllos Scop.) and Norway spruce (Picea abies /L./ Karst.) showed high variability and sensitivity to climatic factors in radial growth compared to stability and resistance in sessile oak (Quercus petraea /Matt./ Liebl.) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.). April, June and July were determined as the most significant months in relation to diameter increment. The synergism of precipitation deficit and high air temperature was a limiting factor of growth in the studied lowland area. The frequency of negative pointer years with extremely low radial growth has been increasing recently. Generally, hornbeam-oak stands are characterized by rich structure, high density and lower productivity, herb-rich beech stands represent rich structured productive forests and spruce forests are very productive stands but with low ecological stability.


Forests ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 320 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Cukor ◽  
Zdeněk Vacek ◽  
Rostislav Linda ◽  
Stanislav Vacek ◽  
Petr Marada ◽  
...  

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of bark stripping caused by sika deer (Cervus nippon [Temminck]) on the production and structure of young Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst) forest stands (41–43 years). Production parameters, structure, diversity, and the dynamics of radial growth in selected forest stands in relation to climatic conditions were evaluated. Similar to other production parameters, stand volumes showed lower values on research plots heavily damaged by bark stripping (290 m3 ha−1) compared to stands with lower tree stem damages (441 m3 ha−1). A significant decrease in stem volume was recorded for trees with stem circumference damage higher than 1/3 of the stem circumference. In most cases, the trees were damaged between the ages of 10–23 years, specifically the radial growth was significantly lowered in this period. The diameter increment of damaged trees dropped to 64% of the healthy counterparts in this period. Bark stripping damages reached up to 93% of the stem circumference with a mean damage of 31%. Stem rot was found on 62% of damaged trees. In our study area, with respect to the terms of climatic conditions, precipitation had a higher effect on radial growth of the Norway spruce compared to temperature. The main limiting climatic factor of tree growth was the lack of precipitation within a growing season, particularly in June of the current year.


Author(s):  
Valery P. Ivanov ◽  
◽  
Sergey I. Marchenko ◽  
Dmitry I. Nartov ◽  
Leonid P. Balukhta

Predicting tree growth processes is important due to the exceptional ecosystem role of forests, which carry out global climate regulation by sequestrating carbon, conserving drinking water, and providing habitat for living organisms. Trees are known to respond to any fluctuations in the environment. The research purpose is to identify weather and climatic factors that significantly affect the inhibition of growth of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in conditions of constant moisture deficit. The studies were carried out in the eastern part of the Bryansk region within the territory the Bryansk administrative district, in the educational and experimental forestry of the Bryansk State Engineering and Technological University and the Styazhnovskoye forest district. Methods of dendrochronology were used to assess the response of 93 pine trees to fluctuations in the external environment by changing the width of annual rings (available anatomical feature of a tree) using indices of radial growth. An original approach was proposed to analyze the reasons for a sharp decline in the annual radial growth under the influence of temperature and precipitation. The years with abnormally low increments (1963, 1972, 1985, 2002 and 2010) were identified against the background of the weather-climatic situation for 5 years before and after the fall in growth. Similar dynamics of absolute values of radial increments and their indices was established, which is caused by fluctuations of natural factors, manifestation of hereditary traits, etc. Significant differences were revealed between the growth rates at average multiyear values of January, May and August air temperatures with growth rates in the years of abnormally low radial growth, which are observed in pine against the background of colder January and warmer May and August of the current year, as well as under the condition of warmer January of the previous year. At the same time, no significant role of precipitation was detected. The obtained data, expanding the idea of the features of growth processes and formation of annual increments in diameter of Scots pine in the conditions of changing climate at the turn of the 20th–21st centuries, allowed us to suggest a possible manifestation of physiological features of the species, the homeostasis optimum zone of which is located in the conditions of colder boreal climate. This information expands our understanding of the features of growth processes and formation of annual increments in diameter of Scots pine in changing climatic conditions.


Author(s):  
N.S. Loboda ◽  
◽  
Y.V. Bozhok ◽  

The results of calculations of possible state of water resources within The Danube River in the XXI century were shown. This estimation was based on the model «climate-runoff», developed in Odessa State Environmental University. As the input to model data of climate scenario A1B (model REMO) were used. Average long-term annual flow values using meteorological data (air temperature and precipitation) from the scenario for different climatic periods of XXI century were calculated. 32 points (grid nodes) which were uniformly distributed over the catchment area of The Danube River were studied. Projection of changes in water resources was given by comparing the calculation results in the past (before 1989) and in the future (1990-2030, 2031-2070, 2071-2100). The major trends in climatic factors of the flow formation and water resources were established. It is shown that the climatic conditions in the XXI century on the Danube River catchment is unfavorable for the formation of runoff. The positive component of the water balance (precipitation) remains unchanged and the negative component (evaporation) increases. Isolines of norms of climatic annual flow within the whole basin were constructed. It is established that by 2030 a significant reduction of water resources will not occur; during the 2031-2070 diminution will be 17,9%; during the 2071-2100 – 22,0%. Thus, in the XXI century, changes in the water resources of the Danube will not be destructive and irreversible.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veronica De Micco ◽  
Katarina Cufar ◽  
Angela Balzano

&lt;p&gt;Survival of forest tree species in semi-arid environments such as the Mediterranean area is threatened by the increase in harsh drought conditions. Therefore, better knowledge of the eco-physiology of Mediterranean species and their growth responses to climatic factors is needed to develop strategies for sustainable management.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The studies of cambial activity and wood formation can provide information on tree growth and physiological responses to variations in intra-annual climatic parameters, helping to answer questions related to tree performance and plasticity under changing environmental conditions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Our aim was to investigate cambium production in holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) as one of the most widespread evergreen oaks in Southern Italy. We studied the response of cambium activity throughout the particularly dry year 2017. We collected tissues from tree stems every two weeks by sampling microcores containing phloem, cambium and xylem. For the analyses, thin cross sections of the microcores were analysed under a light microscope to identify the timing of cambial production, xylogenesis and phloem formation. We detected the period in which the cambium was active, as well as the period in which the cambium was not productive. We interpreted the cambial response to climatic conditions at the site during the period of observation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The observed pattern of xylogenesis differed from the expected bi-modal pattern typical for Mediterranean species which usually results in Intra-annual Density Fluctuations (IADFs) in tree-rings. In Q. ilex we observed only one peak of cambial activity, likely due to the low water availability during the year 2017.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The obtained results provide useful information supporting the forecasting of the wood-growth responses to expected climate change. Moreover, we gained technical experience on optimal preparation of thin sections of problematic tissues, which is especially challenging in Q.ilex due to high hardness of the peculiar wood structure making the investigations of xylogenesis very challenging in this species.&lt;/p&gt;


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina Fonti ◽  
Olga Churakova (Sidorova) ◽  
Ivan Tychkov

&lt;p&gt;Air temperature increase and change in precipitation regime have a significant impact on northern forests leading to the ambiguous consequences due to the complex interaction between the ecosystem plant components and permafrost. One of the major interests in such circumstances is to understand how tree growth of the main forest species of the Siberian North will change under altering climatic conditions. In this work, we applied the process-based Vaganov-Shashkin model (VS - model) of tree growth in order to estimate the daily impact of climatic conditions on tree-ring width of larch trees in northeastern Yakutia (Larix cajanderi Mayr.) and eastern Taimyr (Larix gmelinii Rupr. (Rupr.) for the period 1956-2003, and to determine the extent to which the interaction of climatic factors (temperature and precipitation) is reflected in the tree-ring anatomical structure. Despite the location of the study sites in the harsh conditions of the north, and temperature as the main limiting factor, it was possible to identify a period during the growing season when tree growth was limited by lack of soil moisture. The application of the VS-model for the studied regions allowed establishing in which period of the growing season the water stress is most often manifest itself, and how phenological phases (beginning, cessation, and duration of larch growth) vary among the years.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The research was funded by RFBR, Krasnoyarsk Territory and Krasnoyarsk Regional Fund of Science, project number 20-44-240001 and by the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education (projects FSRZ-2020-0010).&lt;/p&gt;


2015 ◽  
Vol 45 (7) ◽  
pp. 793-804 ◽  
Author(s):  
David C. LeBlanc ◽  
David W. Stahle

This study characterized associations between climate variables and radial growth of four oak species at sites distributed across central and eastern North America. Tree-ring data were obtained from 24, 29, 33, and 55 sites for Quercus prinus L., Quercus velutina Lam., Quercus macrocarpa Michx., and Quercus stellate Wangenh., respectively. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were computed between radial growth and monthly and seasonal temperature and precipitation. Growth was most strongly and consistently correlated with precipitation and temperature during the early growing season (May to July). Coincident positive correlations with precipitation and negative correlations with temperature indicate that this relationship is mediated by site water balance. The combination of this plausible cause–effect mechanism and extensive spatial replication of these correlations suggest that they reflect cause–effect relationships. Growth of Q. stellata was correlated with precipitation during the dormant season, suggesting that stored soil water is important for growth of this species in the southern Great Plains. Despite substantial spatial variation in temperature and growing-season initiation between sites in Texas and Manitoba, Canada, there was little variation in the phenology of growth–climate associations; growth–climate correlations were strongest during the same May–July period at all sites. Results of this study support the hypothesis that temperate zone ring-porous oak species have similar phenology of growth–climate correlations and can be treated as a biologically meaningful functional group in forest simulation models.


Author(s):  
Māris Zunde ◽  
Agrita Briede ◽  
Didzis Elferts

Influence of Climatic Factors on the Annual Radial Growth of Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in Western Latvia Dendroclimatological research has been perfomed in Latvia after a break of about 25 years. The growth pattern of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in six districts of western Latvia is analysed in relation to climatic factors (monthly and seasonal mean air temperature and precipitation). Applying various statistical techniques, it was observed that in this area the growth of pine on mineral soils with normal moisture conditions has been affected most significantly by the mean air temperature during the period from the second half of January to the first half of April of the same year. Thus, the period when mean air temperature is the most significant influence is similar across an area at least from Lithuania (inclusive) to southern Scandinavia, while further north it is mean summer air temperature that gradually becomes the determining factor in the radial growth of pine. Also the quality of the dendrochronological signal in tree-ring chronologies of pine growing in the environmental conditions of Latvia was determined and signature years during the 20th century were identified, when the majority of pines throughout the territory of the Baltic States exhibit a similar change in annual radial growth.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document