Abstract
Unique combinations of geographic and environmental conditions make quantifying the importance of factors that influence forest productivity difficult. We aimed to model the height growth of dominant Nothofagus alpina trees in Chile, as a proxy for forest productivity, by building a dynamic model that consider topography, habitat type, and climate conditions. We used growth data of 169 dominant trees sampled throughout south-central Chile (36°-41° S). After accounting for the interaction between aspect, slope, and elevation, as well as the effect of habitat type, we found that the precipitation in the driest month and annual mean temperature are the most critical climatic drivers of forest productivity. We predict a reduction of approximately 1m in the maximum height of dominant trees given the course of future climate conditions. Our research demonstrates a consequence of climate change in N. alpina-dominated forests: a reduction of tree height growth rates, suggesting a decrease in carbon sequestration too.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
