Climate Change Induced Tree Mortality in a Relict Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) Forest

Abstract

Mortality appeared in a relict Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) forest where the sandy pine forest association (Pinetum-Festuco vaginatae sylvestris) is unique in the Carpathian Basin. To identify the complex causes of tree mortality, we analysed the climatic and soil conditions completed with bryological and biotical (pests) surveys. Altogether the results show that unfavourable soil conditions (coarse sand) and increasing aridity have led to a decline in tree vitality. Bark beetles have a high population density in the stand, and they have colonised both the felled trap trees and the standing trees, where the beetles contributed to tree mortality. New spreading invasive moss species have appeared in the recently formed gaps, where crone projection is low. The disappearance of this relict forest stresses the urgent need for Hungarian forest management to prepare strategies for adaptive tree species selection.