Abstract
Species complementarity by morphological and physiological trait differences could cause distinct temporal and spatial use of resources. Accordingly, mixed stands may enhance production, biodiversity and/or provide a better adaptation to future climate conditions. We aim to identify species differences in intra-annual stem radial variation patterns, and to recognize species-specific responses to contrasting weather conditions at key intra-annual growth phases. Stem radial variation was recorded from high temporal resolution point dendrometers (2012–2014) installed on twelve dominant maritime pine and Pyrenean oak trees in two mixed stands in central Spain. Species differences in stem radial variation were analyzed by synchrony statistics, intra-annual pattern modelling, and evaluating the dependence of main intra-annual growth phases on climate conditions. Both species showed important differences on intra-annual radial increment pattern despite general stem radial variation synchrony. Radial increment onset was earlier for maritime pine during the spring and rainy autumns. Species-specific responses to weather indicate that stem radial variation increased with autumn temperature in maritime pine, but decreased in Pyrenean oak trees. However, summer vapor pressure deficit may reduce stem radial variation for maritime pine. Therefore, maritime pine would adapt more efficiently to warmer temperatures associated with climate change, although summer water stress may reduce this competitive bonus.
Highlights
Changes in temperature, precipitation and drought severity associ ated with climate change could modify the composition, structure, and biogeography of forests worldwide (Allen et al, 2010; Babst et al, 2019; Hanewinkel et al, 2012), especially in the Mediterranean region (Dankers and Hiederer, 2008; IPCC, 2014)
The studied forests at both sites are mixed stands composed of maritime pine and Pyrenean oak.The species are arranged in rows, due to the re-introduction of maritime pine after harvest and bulldozer ripping of a native Pyrenean oak coppice stand
Cumulative stem radial variation (SRV) was as synchronous between species as within species which suggests that the species responded at the same time to identical weather conditions
Summary
Precipitation and drought severity associ ated with climate change could modify the composition, structure, and biogeography of forests worldwide (Allen et al, 2010; Babst et al, 2019; Hanewinkel et al, 2012), especially in the Mediterranean region (Dankers and Hiederer, 2008; IPCC, 2014). Mixed-species stands could have some advantages over monospecific ones in their ecological functions and services (Felton et al, 2016; Knoke et al, 2008; Pretzsch and Forrester, 2017). These positive mixing effects are commonly explained by the complementary effect hypothesis (Ammer, 2019), caused by reduced competition or increased facilitation (Grossiord, 2019). Ecological trait differences among tree species may increase resource use efficiency and mitigate the negative growth effects caused by a warmer climate (Forrester et al, 2013). Studying intra-annual growth dynamics allows us to gain new insight into particular weather events that a classical interannual dendroclimatic approach may miss (Duchesne and Houle, 2011), combining with core analysis may improve tree growth inia.es (M. del Río)
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