Timing of spring xylogenesis in temperate deciduous tree species relates to tree growth characteristics and previous autumn phenology

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorène Julia Marchand ◽  
Inge Dox ◽  
Jožica Gričar ◽  
Peter Prislan ◽  
Jan Van den Bulcke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tree Growth ◽  
Ring Width ◽  
European Beech ◽  
Wood Formation ◽  
Growth Characteristics ◽  
Tree Age ◽  
Deciduous Tree ◽  
Pedunculate Oak ◽  
Temperate Deciduous ◽  
Previous Autumn

Abstract We explored the timing of spring xylogenesis and its potential drivers in homogeneous mature forest stands in a temperate European region. Three species with contrasting leaf development dynamics and wood anatomy were studied: European beech, silver birch and pedunculate oak. Detailed phenological observations of xylogenesis and leaf phenology were performed from summer 2017 till spring 2018. Cambium reactivation (CR) occurred before the buds of oak and birch were swollen, whereas these two phenological phases were concurrent for beech. On the other hand, initial earlywood vessels were fully differentiated (FDIEV) after leaf unfolding for all three species. Timing of CR was correlated to average ring-width of the last 10 years (2017–2008), tree diameter, and, partially, with tree age. In addition, the timing of FDIEV was correlated to tree age and previous’ year autumn phenology i.e., timing of wood growth cessation and onset of leaf senescence. Multivariate models could explain up to 68% of the variability of CR and 55% of the variability of FDIEV. In addition to the “species” factor, the variability could be explained by ca. 30% by tree characteristics and previous’ years autumn phenology for both CR and FDIEV. These findings are important to better identify which factors (other than environment) can be driving the onset of the growing season and highlight the influence of tree growth characteristics and previous’ year phenology on spring wood phenology, wood formation and, potentially, forest production.

scholarly journals Axial changes in wood functional traits have limited net effects on stem biomass increment in European beech (Fagus sylvatica)

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 498-510
Author(s):  
Richard L Peters ◽  
Georg von Arx ◽  
Daniel Nievergelt ◽  
Andreas Ibrom ◽  
Jonas Stillhard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fagus Sylvatica ◽  
Carbon Fixation ◽  
Carbon Allocation ◽  
Volume Growth ◽  
Ring Width ◽  
European Beech ◽  
Wood Formation ◽  
Tree Level ◽  
Mature Trees ◽  
Anatomical Basis

Abstract During the growing season, trees allocate photoassimilates to increase their aboveground woody biomass in the stem (ABIstem). This ‘carbon allocation’ to structural growth is a dynamic process influenced by internal and external (e.g., climatic) drivers. While radial variability in wood formation and its resulting structure have been intensively studied, their variability along tree stems and subsequent impacts on ABIstem remain poorly understood. We collected wood cores from mature trees within a fixed plot in a well-studied temperate Fagus sylvatica L. forest. For a subset of trees, we performed regular interval sampling along the stem to elucidate axial variability in ring width (RW) and wood density (ρ), and the resulting effects on tree- and plot-level ABIstem. Moreover, we measured wood anatomical traits to understand the anatomical basis of ρ and the coupling between changes in RW and ρ during drought. We found no significant axial variability in ρ because an increase in the vessel-to-fiber ratio with smaller RW compensated for vessel tapering towards the apex. By contrast, temporal variability in RW varied significantly along the stem axis, depending on the growing conditions. Drought caused a more severe growth decrease, and wetter summers caused a disproportionate growth increase at the stem base compared with the top. Discarding this axial variability resulted in a significant overestimation of tree-level ABIstem in wetter and cooler summers, but this bias was reduced to ~2% when scaling ABIstem to the plot level. These results suggest that F. sylvatica prioritizes structural carbon sinks close to the canopy when conditions are unfavorable. The different axial variability in RW and ρ thereby indicates some independence of the processes that drive volume growth and wood structure along the stem. This refines our knowledge of carbon allocation dynamics in temperate diffuse-porous species and contributes to reducing uncertainties in determining forest carbon fixation.

scholarly journals The Impact of Adverse Weather and Climate on the Width of European Beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) Tree Rings in Southeastern Europe

Atmosphere ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 451 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefan Stjepanović ◽  
Bratislav Matović ◽  
Dejan Stojanović ◽  
Branislava Lalić ◽  
Tom Levanič ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fagus Sylvatica ◽  
Tree Rings ◽  
Ring Width ◽  
European Beech ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Deciduous Tree ◽  
Beech Forests ◽  
Adverse Weather ◽  
Fagus Sylvatica L ◽  
The Impact

European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) is the most important deciduous tree species in Europe. According to different climate scenarios, there is a relatively high probability of a massive decline in and loss of beech forests in southern Europe and in the southern part of central Europe. Thus, the authors of this study explored the dynamics of tree diameter increments and the influence of extremely dry years on the width of tree rings. This study used dendroecological methods to analyze the growth and diameter increments of European beech trees at locations in Serbia and the Republic of Srpska. The sampling was conducted along the vertical distribution of beech forests, at five sites at the lower limit of the distribution, at five optimal sites of the distribution, and at five sites at the upper limit of the distribution. Long-term analyses indicate that dry conditions during a growing season can reduce tree-ring width, but a reduction in tree growth can be expected as a result of more than one season of unfavorable conditions. Low temperatures in autumn and winter and prolonged winters can strongly affect upcoming vegetation and reduce tree development even under normal thermal conditions during a growing season.

Wood Growth Determined from Growth Ring Analysis in Red Pine (Pinus Resinosa) Trees Forced to Lean by a Hurricane

IAWA Journal ◽  
1991 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 263-274 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. E. Akachuku
Keyword(s):  
Growth Ring ◽  
Ring Width ◽  
Pinus Resinosa ◽  
Wood Formation ◽  
Red Pine ◽  
Tree Age ◽  
Lower Side ◽  
Annual Increment ◽  
Growth Ratio ◽  
Ring Analysis

Leaning red pine (Pinus resinosa) trees at Harvard Forest in Petersham, Massachusetts, U.S.A., were sampled for wood growth studies 50 years after they were displaced by a hurricane. Before the hurricane incursion, ring width varied among trees and from year to year but not among radiL After the hurricane, between-tree variation in ring width was again significant but it was not appreciably due to angle of displacement (AOD) of the bole. Wood growth distribution along the bole in the leaning trees was complex. Between- radius variation in ring width was significant in the leaning boles; ring width was largest on the lower side. On the average ring width decreased as tree age increased but the variation was much less on the upper than on the lower side. Ring area tended to decrease with increase in age but the relationship was strongest in the least displaced bole and vice versa. Asymmetrie growth ratio increased with AOD of a bole and varied with year of wood formation but was not related to cambium age. Graphs of height above the ground on percentage pith eccentricity exhibited a sinuous shape like that of the trees. Cumulative growth and mean annual increment of height and volume increased with tree age. Current annual increment of height and volurne decreased for 9 and 5 years after the hurricane and after the 64th and 69th year of the tree, respectively. Form factor increased after pruning but decreased later with age. Precipitation was not closely related to ring width in the leaning boles.

Red spruce stands downwind from a coal-burning power generator: tree-ring analysis

1988 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 251-264 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul A. Arp ◽  
Justin Manasc
Keyword(s):  
Tree Growth ◽  
Growth Index ◽  
Wood Formation ◽  
Selective Logging ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Red Spruce ◽  
Tree Age ◽  
Stand Age ◽  
Power Generator ◽  
Coal Burning

Tree rings of red spruce (Picearubens Sarg.) in uneven-aged forest stands downwind of an SO2, source (a coal-burning power generator) were analyzed in terms of spatial and temporal trends for bole increments and elemental concentrations (Al, Ca, Mg, K, P, Mn, Zn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Cr) in xylem. Five-year core segments were pooled with respect to distance from emission source, time of wood formation, and tree age (young trees <35 years; old trees >35 years). Soil analysis was done for all stands (total of 28) by soil layer (forest floor, A and B horizons) for pH, exchangeable K, Ca, Mg, Al, and oxalate-extractable Al and Fe. Also analyzed was the snowpack at each stand at three sampling dates in February and March 1986. The snow data for pH, Ca, Mg, K, and SO4 were highly variable, with some of the variability presumably related to fallout of fly ash. The soil data were also variable, but revealed a gain of water-soluble and bicarbonate-extractable SO4, and a loss of exchangeable Mg with increasing proximity to the power generator. Magnesium levels in the wood of the red spruce trees showed a similar trend. Wood concentrations for Ca, Mg, Mn, and Zn were found to decrease with increasing stand age. In contrast, wood concentrations for P, K, Fe, Ni, Cu, and Cr were highest in the most recently formed xylem. Some of these variations were probably affected (i) by the affinity of the wood for each element during wood formation, and (ii) by removal through flow of xylem sap. Some of these trends may also reflect changed ion availabilities in the soil or may be due to air pollution. Trends for the age-related variations of mean bole increments in each of the uneven-aged stands were probably affected by within-stand competition, modified by selective logging, and by recurring outbreaks of spruce budworm (Choristoneurafumiferana Clem.). An enhanced rate of SO2 emission since about 1965 may also have had a negative effect on radial bole growth. The availability of soil water appeared to be a principal factor in relating a tree growth index to year by year climate variations. This tree growth index (developed for an even-aged stand of red spruce upwind from the power generator) was positively related to precipitation of the preceding year and to precipitation in July and August (time of latewood formation). The growth index was negatively related to prolonged periods of high temperatures during earlywood formation.

scholarly journals Timeline of autumn phenology in temperate deciduous trees

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (8) ◽  
pp. 1001-1013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Inge Dox ◽  
Jožica Gričar ◽  
Lorène J Marchand ◽  
Sebastien Leys ◽  
Paolo Zuccarini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Western Europe ◽  
Late Summer ◽  
European Beech ◽  
Deciduous Tree ◽  
Deciduous Trees ◽  
Xylem Formation ◽  
Foliar Senescence ◽  
Temperate Deciduous ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Cessation of xylem formation or wood growth (CWG) and onset of foliar senescence (OFS) are key autumn phenological events in temperate deciduous trees. Their timing is fundamental for the development and survival of trees, ecosystem nutrient cycling and the seasonal exchange of matter and energy between the biosphere and atmosphere, and affects the impact and feedback of forests to global change. A large-scale experimental effort and improved observational methods have allowed us to compare the timing of CWG and OFS for different deciduous tree species in Western Europe, particularly in silver birch, a pioneer species, and European beech, a late-succession species, at stands of different latitudes, of different levels of site fertility, for 2 years with contrasting meteorological and drought conditions, i.e., the low moderately dry 2017 and the extremely dry 2018. Specifically, we tested whether foliar senescence started before, after or concurrently with CWG. Onset of foliar senescence and CWG occurred generally between late September and early November, with larger differences across species and sites for OFS. Foliar senescence started concurrently with CWG in most cases, except for the drier 2018 and, for beech, at the coldest site, where OFS occurred significantly later than CWG. The behavior of beech in Spain, the southern edge of its European distribution, was unclear, with no CWG, but very low wood growth at the time of OFS. Our study suggests that OFS is generally triggered by the same drivers of CWG or when wood growth decreases in late summer, indicating an overarching mechanism of sink limitation as a possible regulator of the timing of foliar senescence.

Reconstruction of maximum temperature on Zhegu Mountain, western Sichuan Plateau (China)

2020 ◽  
Vol 81 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
M Keyimu ◽  
Z Li ◽  
Y Zhao ◽  
Y Dong ◽  
B Fu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tree Growth ◽  
Ring Width ◽  
Volcanic Eruptions ◽  
Southwestern China ◽  
Maximum Temperature ◽  
Driving Mechanism ◽  
Western Sichuan ◽  
Relationship Analysis ◽  
Decadal Scale ◽  
Thermal Variability

Historical temperature reconstructions at high altitudes are still insufficient in southwestern China, which is considered one of the most sensitive areas to climate change in the world. Here we developed a tree ring-width chronology of Faxon fir Abies fargesii var. faxoniana at the upper timber line on Zhegu Mountain, Miyaluo Scenic Area, western Sichuan, China. The climate-tree growth relationship analysis indicated temperature as the dominant regulator on radial tree growth in this region. The reconstruction of aggregated maximum temperature (TMX) of autumn and winter for the period 1856-2016 was achieved with a linear regression model that accounted for 43.6% of the actual variability in the common time series (1954-2016). The reconstruction identified 4 warm periods and 3 cold periods. Similarities of warm and cold periods with previously published reconstructions from nearby sites indicated the reliability of our reconstruction. The significant positive correlation between TMX reconstruction and the Asian-Pacific Oscillation index and the Atlantic Multi-decadal Oscillation index suggested a linkage between large-scale climate circulations and the thermal variability at a multi-decadal scale on the western Sichuan Plateau. We also found that solar activity exerted a strong influence on decadal temperature variability in this region. The cold periods were matched well with historical large volcanic eruptions. Our results strengthen the historical climatic information in southwestern China and contribute to further understanding the regional thermal variability as well as its driving mechanism.

Agroforestry in Eastern Otago: results from two long-term experiments

2000 ◽  
pp. 93-98
Author(s):  
G.G. Cossens ◽  
M.F. Hawke
Keyword(s):  
Soil Ph ◽  
Tree Growth ◽  
Pinus Radiata ◽  
Carrying Capacity ◽  
Livestock Grazing ◽  
Tree Age ◽  
Rapid Decline ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Clover Content ◽  
Pasture Yield

During the first 20 years of a Pinus radiata tree rotation, tree growth and pasture yield were assessed under a range of tree spacings at Invermay and Akatore, two coastal sites in Eastern Otago. Pasture yield in association with trees thinned to 100 stems per hectare (sph) was comparable to that from open pasture up to a tree age of 12 years. By the 19th year, however, pasture production declined to 63% of open pasture yield at Invermay and to 42% at Akatore. At 200 and 400 sph at Akatore, pasture yield was similar to that from open pasture at tree age 12 years but declined to 27% and 0% of open pasture yield respectively by year 20. At both Invermay and Akatore, the ryegrass and clover content of open pasture was relatively constant throughout the term of the trial. However, both the ryegrass and clover content of pasture beneath trees began to decline by tree age 12 years with a very rapid decline at Akatore in the number of pasture species at 200 sph by the 19th year. No pasture remained at 400 sph, after 19 years. Livestock carrying capacity with sheep on tree treatments at Invermay decreased from 100% of open pasture at year 6 to 60% by year 10. At Akatore, livestock carrying capacity averaged over the 20-year life of the trial was 4.1 stock units per hectare with a maximum of 8.1 stock units at a tree age of 8 years. Tree growth at both sites was similar, averaging between 1 and 1.1 m/year in height over 20 years, with trees at Invermay at 100 sph averaging 9% greater height and diameter growth than at Akatore. Increasing tree stocking from 100 to 200 to 400 sph at Akatore, resulted in increased tree height, but decreased diameter at breast height. A comparison of the East Otago trees with those in a similar trial at Tikitere (Rotorua) 900 km further north indicated that the southern trees were about 6 years later in their growth pattern by tree age 20 years. On both sites, soil pH tended to be lower in the presence of trees and was significantly lower than in open pasture by year 20. The results and comparisons with the Tikitere data suggest that, in an integrated agroforestry regime, there will be livestock grazing under the trees further into the tree rotation in Otago than in North Island sites. However, slower tree growth would result in a longer rotation time to harvest. Current recommendations to farmers are to plant trees on the less productive areas of the farm and adopt a tree stocking rate which fully utilises the site. Keywords: agroforestry, livestock, pasture, Pinus radiata, soil pH, tree stocking

Konkurrenz zwischen Stieleiche und Buche auf Lothar-Sturmflächen | Competition between pedunculate oak and European beech on Lothar windthrow areas

2009 ◽  
Vol 160 (5) ◽  
pp. 114-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Otto ◽  
Sven Wagner ◽  
Peter Brang
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Tree Height ◽  
European Beech ◽  
Threshold Value ◽  
Test Methods ◽  
Permanent Plots ◽  
Pedunculate Oak ◽  
Competitive Pressure ◽  
Competition Index

The competitive pressure of naturally regenerated European beech (Fagus sylvatica) saplings on planted pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) was investigated on two 1.8 ha permanent plots near Habsburg and Murten (Switzerland). The plots were established with the aim to test methods of artificial oak regeneration after large-scale windthrow. On both plots, 80 oaks exposed to varying levels of competitive pressure from at most 10 neighbouring beech trees were selected. The height of each oak as well as stem and branch diameters were measured. The competitive pressure was assessed using Schütz's competition index, which is based on relative tree height, crown overlap and distance from competing neighbours. Oak trees growing without or with only slight competition from beech were equally tall, while oaks exposed to moderate to strong competition were smaller. A threshold value for the competition index was found above which oak height decreased strongly. The stem and branch diameters of the oaks started to decrease even if the competition from beech was slight, and decreased much further with more competition. The oak stems started to become more slender even with only slight competition from beech. On the moderately acid beech sites studied here, beech grow taller faster than oak. Thus where beech is competing with oak and the aim is to maintain the oak, competitive pressure on the oak must be reduced at an early stage. The degree of the intervention should, however, take the individual competitive interaction into account, with more intervention if the competition is strong.

scholarly journals How Does Radial Growth of Water-Stressed Populations of European Beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) Trees Vary under Multiple Drought Events?

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 129
Author(s):  
Tamalika Chakraborty ◽  
Albert Reif ◽  
Andreas Matzarakis ◽  
Somidh Saha
Keyword(s):  
Soil Water ◽  
Fagus Sylvatica ◽  
Tree Growth ◽  
Radial Growth ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
European Beech ◽  
Canopy Openness ◽  
Fagus Sylvatica L ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Neighborhood Competition

European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) trees are becoming vulnerable to drought, with a warming climate. Existing studies disagree on how radial growth varies in European beech in response to droughts. We aimed to find the impact of multiple droughts on beech trees’ annual radial growth at their ecological drought limit created by soil water availability in the forest. Besides, we quantified the influence of competition and canopy openness on the mean basal area growth of beech trees. We carried out this study in five near-natural temperate forests in three localities of Germany and Switzerland. We quantified available soil water storage capacity (AWC) in plots laid in the transition zone from oak to beech dominated forests. The plots were classified as ‘dry’ (AWC < 60 mL) and ‘less-dry’ (AWC > 60 mL). We performed dendroecological analyses starting from 1951 in continuous and discontinuous series to study the influence of climatic drought (i.e., precipitation-potential evapotranspiration) on the radial growth of beech trees in dry and less-dry plots. We used observed values for this analysis and did not use interpolated values from interpolated historical records in this study. We selected six drought events to study the resistance, recovery, and resilience of beech trees to drought at a discontinuous level. The radial growth was significantly higher in less-dry plots than dry plots. The increase in drought had reduced tree growth. Frequent climatic drought events resulted in more significant correlations, hence, increased the dependency of tree growth on AWC. We showed that the recovery and resilience to climatic drought were higher in trees in less-dry plots than dry plots, but it was the opposite for resistance. The resistance, recovery, and resilience of the trees were heterogeneous between the events of drought. Mean growth of beech trees (basal area increment) were negatively impacted by neighborhood competition and positively influenced by canopy openness. We emphasized that beech trees growing on soil with low AWC are at higher risk of growth decline. We concluded that changes in soil water conditions even at the microsite level could influence beech trees’ growth in their drought limit under the changing climate. Along with drought, neighborhood competition and lack of light can also reduce beech trees’ growth. This study will enrich the state of knowledge about the ongoing debate on the vulnerability of beech trees to drought in Europe.

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