Abstract
BackgroundIn the German Democratic Republic (GDR), resin tapping in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) forests was a major economic activity, and resin-tapped stands are frequently found up until this day. In this study, we investigate how the mechanical damage caused by resin tapping affects the growth and climate sensitivity of Scots pine using a dendroecological approach.MethodsTree-ring samples were collected from resin-tapped and non-tapped trees in two forest areas in northeastern Germany, and tree-growth patterns were analyzed. For elucidating effects of resin tapping on the climate sensitivity of pine growth, climate-growth relationships and pointer years were studied.ResultsWe observed that resin tapping positively affects tree growth at breast height, likely as wood formation is concentrated on the living part of the bole (i.e. after tapping there is no growth taking place on the tapping face due to the mechanical damage done to the cambium). We observed no differences in the climate sensitivity of tapped and non-tapped trees, nor in the occurrence of extreme growth responses.ConclusionOur results highlight that resin extraction is, apart from inflicting mechanical damage, not altering the sensitivity of Scots pine growth to climatic conditions.
Highlights
In the German Democratic Republic (GDR), resin tapping in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) forests was a major economic activity, and resin-tapped stands are frequently found up until this day
Chronology statistics for the index chronologies are rather similar and no consistent differences in statistics were found between the period before and after resin extraction
Tomusiak and Magnuszewski (2009) observed increased growth at breast height after resin extraction in Scots pine in Poland. The tapping face, they did not observe growth stimulation. This difference in growth response is likely caused by the fact that wood formation is concentrated on the living part of the bole at breast height, whereas tree rings are formed around the full stem circumference above the tapping face
Summary
In the German Democratic Republic (GDR), resin tapping in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) forests was a major economic activity, and resin-tapped stands are frequently found up until this day. We investigate how the mechanical damage caused by resin tapping affects the growth and climate sensitivity of Scots pine using a dendroecological approach. Resin tapping was a major economic activity in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) forests in the German Democratic Republic (GDR). To protect themselves against (this mechanical) damage, pines produce resin: a highly viscous substance, rich in organic hydrocarbons. The resin was collected and processed to obtain turpentine and rosin. These substances were used as raw material in the production of glue, paint, shoe crème, plastics, and various other products (Stephan 1968). Resin extraction was generally done about 10 years before final felling
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