Abstract
Climate change requires forest managers to explore new concepts in reforestation. High-elevation sites are posing challenges because the range of tree species that can cope with present and future conditions is small and limited experience with candidate species is available. Methods: We selected a mountain site with nutrient-poor silicatic soils. The previous Norway spruce (Picea abies) stand performed poorly. We established a reforestation experiment with 27 tree species that were planted in different combinations in order to evaluate silvicultural options. Site preparation activities and planting techniques reflected the locally applied regular procedures. After planting, we monitored height growth and phenological characteristics of needle/leaf development in spring. The presently dominant Norway spruce was genetically characterized. Results: Tree seedlings planted at high elevation are highly vulnerable. The temporal course of needle/leaf sprouting varies widely. Early developers are vulnerable to frost, impairing tree development. Biotic stressors such as high population densities of weevils or mice can cause high mortality. Conclusion: we suggest a conservative approach to tree species selection because present site conditions in mountain areas may impair the development of many tree species that could be viable options in a considerably warmer climate.
Highlights
Climate change requires adaptive forest management strategies with considerable foresight
Reforestation activities after harvesting operations offer the opportunity to establish forest types that would not develop under present site conditions and that comprise tree species and tree-species mixtures that could be relevant in a future climate
Higher air temperatures in the future will allow the use of tree species in mountain forests that are currently predominantly found at warmer sites, e.g., at lower elevations
Summary
Climate change requires adaptive forest management strategies with considerable foresight. The challenge is finding tree species that can cope with currently harsh and future climatic conditions in mountain areas. Planning of forest management strategies is hampered by the wide range of possible futures. In the case that worldwide climate-change mitigation strategies are successfully implemented, the future warming will be small, yet pessimistic scenarios indicate a stronger warming trend. Forests that are established would ideally be able cope with a wide range of possible future climates. Foresters are encouraged to interpret locally and regionally downscaled climate scenarios with climatology experts in order to get a good understanding of future conditions [2,3]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
