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Updated: Jun 4, 2026

A Technical Perspective in Modern Tree-ring Research - How to Overcome Dendroecological and Wood Anatomical Challenges

A Technical Perspective in Modern Tree-ring Research - How to Overcome Dendroecological and Wood Anatomical Challenges

Published on: March 5, 2015

Interpreting tree responses to thinning and fertilization using tree-ring stable isotopes.

J Renée Brooks¹, Alan K Mitchell

¹US EPA/NHEERL, Western Ecology Division, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA. brooks.reneej@epa.gov

The New Phytologist

|February 3, 2011

Summary

Forest management, like thinning and fertilization, boosts tree carbon gain. Tree-ring isotopes reveal physiological changes, aiding long-term forest carbon sequestration understanding.

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Area of Science:

Forestry and Ecology
Plant Physiology
Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry

Background:

Understanding long-term forest carbon gain requires knowledge of physiological mechanisms influenced by forest management.
Current research often lacks detailed physiological data over decadal timescales.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the physiological mechanisms behind increased forest carbon gain in response to thinning and fertilization treatments.
To evaluate the utility of the dual stable isotope approach (δ(13)C(cell) and δ(18)O(cell)) for reconstructing these mechanisms.

Main Methods:

Analysis of tree-ring growth patterns and stable isotopes (δ(13)C(cell), δ(18)O(cell)) from a controlled thinning and fertilization experiment.
Measurement of photosynthesis (A) and intrinsic water-use efficiency.

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Last Updated: Jun 4, 2026

A Technical Perspective in Modern Tree-ring Research - How to Overcome Dendroecological and Wood Anatomical Challenges

A Technical Perspective in Modern Tree-ring Research - How to Overcome Dendroecological and Wood Anatomical Challenges

Published on: March 5, 2015

Main Results:

Fertilization increased intrinsic water-use efficiency and photosynthesis (A) for the first 3 years.
Combined thinning and fertilization treatments yielded the largest increases in A and water-use efficiency.
Thinning treatments alone consistently increased δ(18)O(cell), likely due to microclimate changes (reduced humidity, increased leaf temperature).

Conclusions:

Tree-ring isotopic records, especially δ(13)C(cell), are effective for reconstructing long-term physiological responses of tree carbon gain to management and climate.
The dual isotope approach is validated for use in similar studies and locations.