Influence of Hydrological and Climatic Changes on Tree Growth in Narew National Park, NE Poland, over the Past 50 Years

Abstract

Over the last 50 years, groundwater levels have been decreasing and air temperatures have been increasing in Poland. Maintaining this trend may make it impossible to maintain hydrogenic habitats in good condition. Reactions to ongoing climate change recorded in tree rings may be a good indicator describing the degree of this threat. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of climatic and hydrological changes on the growth of scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and black alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn) in the Narew National Park over past 50 years. The research was based on tree increment cores extracted from 42 pine trees and 57 alder trees that were randomly selected and ranged in age from 25 to 88 years, as well as climatic and hydrological data. Standardised data (5-year index) were analysed by species, generation (Y—21–40 years, M—41–60, O—61–90), and decade using correlation analysis. The results of the study show that pine responded more strongly to changes in air temperature and changes in precipitation totals, while alder growth was more strongly related to fluctuations in the water level of the Narew River and changes in precipitation totals. Our research showed that differences in response to environmental factors also occur between tree generations. The decrease in the water level of the Narew River that occurred over the last 50 years did not adversely affect the condition of the trees. Analysis of DBH growth rates showed that the younger generations (Y, M) grow faster than the older generation (O). This is positive news for managers of commercial and protected forests, but accelerated tree growth may be associated with specific consequences, such as increased wind damage as a result of reduced wood density or reduced sensitivity of trees to climate and hydrological changes.