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Published on: December 27, 2017
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Nutrient regime modulates drought response patterns of three temperate tree species
Gerhard Schmied1, Torben Hilmers1, Karl-Heinz Mellert2
1Chair for Forest Growth and Yield Science, TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Hans-Carl-von-Carlowitz-Platz 2, 85354 Freising, Germany.
The Science of the Total Environment
|January 16, 2023
Summary
Forests face increasing drought due to global change. Nutrient supply and water availability significantly impact tree resilience, with varying responses among Silver Fir (Abies alba), European Beech (Fagus sylvatica), and Norway Spruce (Picea abies).
Area of Science:
- Forest Ecology
- Climate Change Impacts
- Tree Physiology
Background:
- Global change is increasing drought severity, threatening forest ecosystems worldwide.
- Tree responses to drought are complex and vary by species, drought characteristics, and site conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine drought response patterns of Silver Fir (Abies alba), European Beech (Fagus sylvatica), and Norway Spruce (Picea abies).
- To assess the influence of drought characteristics and site conditions on tree resilience using tree-ring data.
- To detect temporal changes in drought resilience among these species.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of annual tree-ring data from 37 sites across an ecological gradient in Germany.
- Assessment of drought characteristics, nutrient regime, and (micro-)site conditions.
- Evaluation of tree resistance and resilience components.
Main Results:
- Nutrient regime, drought frequency, and hydraulic conditions were key determinants of drought responses, differing among species.
- Higher drought frequency enhanced resistance and resilience in Norway Spruce and European Beech.
- Favorable preceding/following years' climate improved European Beech resilience and recovery; balanced nutrient regimes benefited drought resistance.
- Long-term resilience decline observed in European Beech and Norway Spruce, with Norway Spruce showing significant impacts from persistent climate change.
Conclusions:
- Balanced nutrient supply and post-drought water availability are crucial for trees under extreme drought stress.
- Silver Fir demonstrates better coping mechanisms compared to Norway Spruce under persistent climate change.
- Findings are relevant for forest monitoring, scenario analysis, and ecosystem management strategies.
Keywords:
Abies albaDrought characteristicsDrought responseFagus sylvaticaNutrient regimePicea abiesPlant available water capacitySoil conditionsMore Related Videos
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