Increment Borer Research Articles

Diameter Growth of Melia azedarach var. umbraculifera

The objective of this work was to model the diametric growth of Melia azedarach trees, in the region of Campanha, state of Rio Grande do Sul. 31 trees that showed no signs of pruning were randomly selected. Three increment borers per tree were removed, the first being 30 cm from the ground for age development and the other two orthogonal at 1.3 m (dbh) for growth analysis. Linear models with and without intercept were fitted to estimate the diameters with bark (y) as a function of the diameter without bark (x), using several transformations of the independent variables (x). In the modeling, the stepwise method was used for variable selection, being kept in the models only as a variable with the highest adjusted R² and with a significant F value at 5%. Next, multicollinearity was resisted through the variance survival value (VSV), being kept in the models only as the most significant variables by the t-test and with VSV less than 10. The selection of the best ones considered was based on the Standard Error of Estimation in percentage (Syx%), Coefficient of Determination adjusted (adjusted R²) and, in the case of diametric growth lines, the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) was also used. The species presents moderate to fast growth and reaches sufficient dimensions for the production of wooden parts for joinery and carpentry. Among the medications used to describe diametric growth, the Chapman-Richards medication presented the best result, with statistics that allow its safe use under the conditions of this study.

Diameter Increment Estimations of Open-Grown Stone Pine (Pinus pinea L.) Trees in Urban Parks in Istanbul, Türkiye

Open-grown trees in cities can improve environmental conditions by providing sustainable ecosystem services. Reliable data are necessary for assessing the functions of urban trees. The diameter at breast height (DBH), diameter increment, and annual ring measurements are the main parameters in the development of reliable models. To model periodic mean diameter increments calculated for different time periods (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 years), a total of 43 open-grown stone pines (Pinus pinea L.) of different diameter classes were sampled in several urban parks in Istanbul, Türkiye. The DBH was measured, and increment cores were extracted from each tree at 1.30 m stem height using an increment borer. Tree age at breast height was determined by counting annual rings, and periodic mean diameter increments were calculated for different periods based on the measured tree-ring widths. The periodic mean increments of different periods were related to the inside-bark diameter at breast height and tree age. Since there was no significant relationship between tree age and periodic mean increments for each period’s length, as shown in the correlation analysis, models used to estimate the periodic mean increments of inside-bark DBH were developed using the least squares regression and quantile regression (QR) techniques. As the period length increased, the estimation success of the diameter increment models increased while the mean absolute percentage error (MAE) values decreased from 40 to 32%. The best model was the one used for the last 25-year period with the quantile value q = 0.50 which estimated the diameter increment with an RMSE = 1.391 mm/year and MAE = 32.27%.

Dendroclimatological study of ancient trees integrating non-destructive techniques.

Based on the need to protect previous ancient trees and the development of dendroclimatology, the use of non-destructive technologies in tree-ring research has gained increasing attention. This study focuses on the ancient Pinus tabulaeformis in Yu Xiang Forest Farm in Henan Province. Firstly, samples were collected using the traditional Increment borers and the Resistograph, a non-destructive method. Subsequently, the peak-valley analysis was used to filter the data obtained by the Resistograph to extract the tree ring width sequence, and the data's accuracy was verified by correlation analysis with tree ring width sequence by the Increment borers. Then, the optimal filtering method and an appropriate comprehensive threshold were determined, and tree ring width and density sequences were successfully extracted. Following that, the growth trend and residual resistance in the measurement process were corrected using linear fitting and Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (EEMD) technology, thereby establishing the tree-ring width and density index series, which were further validated through correlation analysis and t-tests. Finally, analysis of the correlation with climatic factors, identified the main limiting factors for tree growth, and the accuracy of the tree-ring information extracted by the Resistograph was further verified. The results showed that spite of certain differences between the tree-ring width indices extracted by the Resistograph and the Increment borer, they were generally reliable. The radial growth of the ancient P.tabulaeformis in Yu Xiang Forest Farm is primarily influenced by temperature, with the maximum density of the tree rings responding more significantly to the mean maximum temperature, while the minimum density of the tree rings responded more significantly to the mean minimum temperature. These results not only provide a scientific and accurate age for the protection of ancient trees and verify the reliability of the data obtained by the Resistograph, but also facilitate the use of non-destructive technology for in-depth study of ancient trees, therefore enhancing our understanding of how climate change affects tree growth and provide valuable insights for the future protection and management of these ancient trees.

Dendrochemical Analysis as a Method to Identify Mineralized Zones: Insights from the Marathon Cu-PGE Deposit

The Marathon Cu-platinum-group element (PGE) deposit is located within the Eastern Gabbro Series of the Proterozoic Coldwell Alkalic Complex, 10 km north of Marathon, Ontario. The Cu-PGE mineralization occurs within the Two Duck Lake Gabbro, an olivine gabbro intrusion. This geochemical orientation study tested the trace element analysis of tree cores as a method of identifying mineralized versus background areas in the Marathon deposit, focusing on copper (Cu), sulfur (S), palladium (Pd), and silver (Ag). Tree core samples (n=25) were collected with an increment borer from black spruce (Picea mariana) trees and dated by counting growth rings. Fifteen cores, 12 near/overtop the deposit and three distal control samples, were analysed with Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) over a 10-year interval (1992-2002). Data normalization to 88Sr like in other dendrochemical studies corrected for tree health and growth effects. 32S, 63Cu, and 105Pd were found to have the highest concentrations at 94.198, 2.224, and 0.055 ppm, respectively, in control sample 23KPA2-3004. This tree is located beside the Pic River and receives large amounts of run-off from the entire Eastern Gabbro Series, possibly enhancing the chemical composition of the tree core. Excluding this anomalous sample, significant concentrations of Cu and Ag were found moving SSW along the deposit, aligning with the direction of movement of the Pleistocene Laurentide Ice Sheet. While this study did not clearly identify mineralized zones in the Marathon deposit, it has identified the possibility of mineralized run-off in the Pic River affecting nearshore tree chemical composition. The influence of local terrain and glacial till must be also considered when using this method. Future research will continue to study the factors influencing the uptake of elements in trees and refine methods for detecting mineralization through tree core analysis.

Collecting large diameter cores from living trees with commercial drill bits and increment borers

Foresters and scientists worldwide rely on the use of increment borers to collect wood cores from living trees for dendrochronology and a range of other applications. While there are many different types of increment borers, 4–5 mm diameter manual borers are most frequently used. Although these standard-size devices have a long history with well-established protocols, a range of newer analyses require the collection of larger diameter cores from living trees. To meet these needs, researchers worldwide have developed an array of techniques to collect these types of samples but little information is available comparing approaches and synthesizing options. Here, we summarize work testing several different commonly employed techniques for excising larger width (∼10 mm diameter) cores from living trees, comparing strengths and weaknesses of each approach. In addition to informing the selection of methods and equipment for researchers collecting larger diameter cores, this information may also provide new ideas for exploring core collection options beyond traditional increment borers.

Electrical Properties at Multi-Frequencies for Analysis of Physical and Anatomical Properties of Fast-Growing Standing Teak Trees at Various Ages

Fast-growing teak trees are cultivated extensively in Indonesia to meet the growing demand for teak wood. However, it is necessary to assess the conditions of teak stands throughout their growth period. The nondestructive testing of wood utilizing dielectric spectroscopy approaches based on electrical properties is currently under development, particularly for evaluating tree stands. This study aimed to analyze the dielectric values of fast-growing teak tree stands within a frequency range of 250 kHz to 60 MHz and to understand the relationship between their physical and anatomical properties. A capacitance measurement system was employed to collect dielectric spectroscopy data directly from trees aged 4, 5, and 7 years. Simultaneously, physical and anatomical samples were obtained using a 0.5 cm diameter increment borer. The results revealed significant differences in the fiber length, lumen diameter, and wall thickness at each age. The optimal dielectric frequency for distinguishing wood properties in standing trees was identified to be within a range of 18 MHz to 23 MHz. In the linear model, a moderate relationship was observed with a correlation coefficient of (r)0.403, although the coefficient of determination (r2) was weak at 0.162 for green density. However, a robust relationship was observed in the linear model for specific gravity with r = 0.826 and r2 = 0.682. A weak but significant relationship was also identified with r = 0.2, a coefficient of determination of r2 = 0.04, and a significance level < 0.05 in the predictive model of wood anatomy properties (vessel diameter and fiber wall thickness). Models with low r2 but high significance indicate that the independent variables still noticeably contribute to explaining the dependent variable. Further analysis and data processing can be enhanced by identifying the crucial variables in the capacitance measurement system.

Determining the source water and active root depth of woody plants using a deuterium tracer at a Savannah site in northern Stampriet Basin, Namibia

Woody plants play a significant role in the global water cycle through water uptake by roots and evapotranspiration. A deuterium tracer was used to assess the active root depths for Salvia mellifera and Boscia albitrunca in the Ebenhaezer area (western Namibia). The tracer was inserted at different soil depths in December 2016. Xylem cores were obtained using an increment borer, and transpired water was collected using transpiration bags zipped around the plants’ leaves. Groundwater was collected from boreholes. Soil samples were collected after the rainy season using a hand auger. Xylem and soil water were extracted using a cryogenic vacuum extraction method and analysed for stable water isotopes. Only one S. mellifera transpiration sample showed a high deuterium content (516‰) where the tracer was inserted at 2.5-m soil depth. Elevated deuterium contents were observed in two S. mellifera xylem samples; tracer had been applied at 2.5 and 3 m depth (yielding 35 and 31‰ deuterium, respectively), which constitutes a possible active-root depth range for S. mellifera. At the end of the study period (May 2017), the average δ18O value for B. albitrunca xylem samples was similar to that of groundwater. The δ18O value for S. mellifera was between that of soil water and groundwater, indicating that this species uses groundwater and soil water available for groundwater recharge. Determination of the active root depth and source water for these species would help improve hydrological modelling by incorporating the influence of woody plants on groundwater recharge.

Stabilization of the pine increment during recent years of low precipitation and high temperatures by removal of the spruce lower storey

In stands dominated by Scots pine in Central European nutrient-poor sandy forest sites, deterioration of pine health due to recent development in climate change has been observed, whereas the vitality of the Norway spruce growing in the lower storey of such stands has remained stable. The study aims to analyse the impact of the spruce lower storey on pine increments and performance in relation to drought stress. Wood core samples were collected using an increment borer from mature pines growing in deep, sandy soils with ground water at a depth that was unreachable by the roots in three plot pairs (blocks) consisting of a pine-spruce plot and a plot with the lower-storey spruce removed. The increments of earlywood and latewood were measured separately. Health status and soil moisture were also evaluated. Spruce removal increased the radial growth (tree ring width – TRW) of the pines, and this manifested earlier in the latewood. Spruce removal significantly changed relationship of TRW and umbrothermic index of released pines. The treatment also increased pine foliation, while increases of topsoil moisture in the transects were insignificant. The study indirectly proves the existence of inter-species competition in the rooting zone for water in soils where the ground water is unreachable by the roots. The flat root system of spruce creates a barrier that reduces the amount of water available for pines with deeper growing roots. To reduce the risk of the negative impact of unfavourable climate change on pine as the target species in commercial mature mixed pine forests with similar site and stand conditions, lower-storey spruce reduction can be recommended, even though this might locally and temporarily lessen the biodiversity of the forest stand.

Rhizosphere soil properties and microbial biomass changes with the chronosequence of stand age of broadleaf banj oak and coniferous deodar forests in the central Himalaya, India

This research investigates the changes in rhizosphere soil (RS) properties in a chronosequence of the stand age of banj oak (Quercus leucotrichophora A. Campus) and deodar (Cedrus deodara D. Don) forests in the Kumaon Himalaya, India. Tree individuals of different girth classes (young, mature and old) were cored for tree age estimation using increment borer at breast height (1.37 m). Soil samples were collected in triplicate using a cubical section (15 × 15 × 15 cm) underneath the soil surface. Soil tightly adhered to the roots was brushed off on a paper bag and considered RS. Soil moisture content, pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and nitrogen (MBN) were analyzed. Two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post-hoc was used to test the significant difference among the stand age and between species. SOC and MBC increased significantly (p < 0.05) from juvenile to mature and declined in old age, while TN and MBN decreased from juvenile to old age. SOC/TN ratios increased from juvenile to mature stand age, suggesting that plants require more nitrogen for canopy growth in mature stand age. PCA results reflected a strong coupling between juvenile age and MBN/TN ratio, confirming the higher accumulation of nitrogen in the living biomass of microbes. However, MBC/SOC and MBN/TN decreased with the stand age, reflecting that during the initial phase of growth, the microbial community requires more C and N for ecosystem functioning and development. MBC/MBN ratio increased from juvenile to mature stand age, indicating the nitrogen-poor litter quality in mature and old stand age. Overall, forest stand ages can significantly impact RS properties and microbial biomass. These changes can have important implications for ecosystem function and services such as nutrient cycling, water regulation, and carbon sequestration.

The influence of rainfall and temperature on radial growth of urban trees under the impact of steel industry pollution

The aim of this study was to analyze the growth rings and evaluate the effect of the urban environment on the growth of Terminalia catappa L. under intense industrial activity. At least two wood samples were obtained from each tree with an increment borer. The regions of Volta Redonda (Northwest and Southeast regions) and Resende (used as control) were established for the collection. The dendrochronological potential of T. catappa indicated sensitivity to precipitation and temperature in a more exposed urban and industrial steel pollution area because there were differences in growth when compared to an area less exposed to the same pollution. Thus, it was possible to conclude that this species has the potential to be used as a bioindicator of anthropogenic activities. In addition, the delimitation of the growth rings of the studied species contributes to the realization of future dendrochronological studies, expanding the understanding of the behavior of this species present in urban environments at different regional scales. This study reinforces the importance of rainfall and temperature in regulating radial growth in tropical forests.

The effect of climate on tree-ring of Fir, Spruce and Scotch pine in Karçal Mountains

This study aims to analyze the effects of temperature and precipitation on tree-ring growth in the lower and upper growing borders of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L. subsp. hamata), Caucasian Fir (Abies nordmanniana (Stev.) Spach. subsp. nordmanniana) and Oriental Spruce (Picea orientalis L.carr.) in the Karçal Mountains (Artvin). This area hosts the first and pioneering biosphere reserve area of Türkiye in terms of biodiversity. This area is also one of the rare areas in Türkiye where Scots pine Fir and Spruce trees coexist. For dendrochronological analysis, 2 core samples were taken from each of the 15 trees using an increment borer from the lower and upper growth limits of Fir, scotch pine and Spruce. Tree-ring series are standardized. To reveal the statistical relationships between tree-ring growth and temperature and precipitation, Response functions were calculated separately for each site chronology. The rainy month of September has a positive effect on the tree-ring growth of Spruce. In the study area, a generally positive relationship was determined between July precipitation and the tree-ring growth for the lower and upper growing limits of Scots pine. In the study area, the precipitations of April and October affect the tree ring negatively for all regional chronologies, and May and June precipitation positively. The average temperatures between October of the previous year and May-June of the current year were negative; The positive relationship between the average temperatures of February, March and July and the growth of the ring predominates.

Hydro Power Potential of Swat River Catchment, Pakistan; a Dendrochronological Approach

This project has been devised to get a larger series of hydrology data through a dendrochronological approach and utilize it for hydropower evaluation of the Swat River catchment. For the purpose of dendrochronological analysis, Tree-ring samples were collected using increment borers and measured by Velmax measuring system. The previous hydrological data ranging from 23 to 55 years of the same tributaries were collected from Water and Power Development Authority, Pakistan and Pakhtunkhwa Energy Development Organization (PEDO). Both dendrochronological and obtained hydrological data have been applied to reconstruct the long-term hydrological data of more than 200 years. The reconstructed hydrological data has been used for hydel power potential estimation of all studied tributaries. The current investigation presented the same pattern of flow rate and power potential in existing and reconstructed hydrological data with minor variances. The findings of this research demonstrate that reconstructed hydrological data can be obtained by using existing hydrological and dendrochronological data, and it can act as the best source to measure the expected flow rate and hydropower potential.

Suitability of Acrocarpus fraxinifolius as a Pulping Raw Material

The present study emphasized on wood trait indices of Acrocarpus fraxinifolius for understanding the suitability of the species for paper and pulp industries. The study was conducted at the College of Forestry, Ponnampet, Karnataka in 2020. The wood core samples were collected from the trees falling under 130 to 150 cm girth class, standing in coffee-based agroforestry systems of Kodagu, Karnataka, India. A total of 12 wood core samples were collected using the Presseler’s increment borer at breast height level. For wood fibre analysis the core portion was divided and three, i.e., near to the pith portion, middle and periphery, and made as a composite sample. Core samples were macerated using Jeffreys solution technique at Forest Product and Utilization Laboratory, College of Forestry, UAHS, Shivamogga. Fifty measurements on fibre parameters (Fibre length, Fibre width, Fibre wall thickness, and Fibre Lumen width) were recorded for each sample under a stereomicroscope with an inbuilt Image Analyzer. The mean fibre properties recorded, were used for calculating wood anatomical indices such as the Runkel ratio, Slenderness ratio, Flexibility coefficient, and Rigidity coefficient using standard formulas. The mean Runkel ratio, Slenderness ratio, Flexibility coefficient, and Rigidity coefficient were 0.580, 60.132, 63.290, and 0.184 respectively. The anatomical screening suggests that the species can be used as raw material for paper production, based on the indices. Further research is required to explore the mechanical and chemical properties of commercial exploitation for pulping.

Growth Response of Pinus wallichiana to Changing Climate in Temperate Regions of Central Nepal

Climate influences both the structure and function of the forest ecosystem. A dendrochronological study was carried out in temperate forest at Patney Bhanjyang Community Forest of Kavrepalanchok district in Central Nepal to verify and record the impact of climate on radial growth by using the tree cores of Pinus wallichiana. A total of 60 tree cores were collected by using increment borer and annual ring widths were analyzed by using the standard dendrochronological technique. We produced a 74-year-old tree ring width chronology of P. wallichiana from the region and examined the critical climatic factor for radial growth and the temporal trend of Basal Area Increment (BAI). Our results showed that the tree radial growth was not influenced by maximum temperature. However, it was positively correlated with the minimum temperature of the previous year September (0.30) indicating that cool previous September is favorable for radial growth. Similarly, the radial growth of Pine showed a positive correlation with the total rainfall of January (0.33) and March (0.33), showing that enough moisture in the very early growing season contributes positively to radial growth. We found a decline in BAI after 2000 AD until 2005, although BAI was relatively stable despite the decreasing trend of rainfall. We did not find the impact of climatic factor for the decline in BAI. However long-term study of different climatic, ecological and anthropogenic influences are necessary to know more about the growth–climate relationship of P. wallichiana in temperate forests of Nepal.

DENDROCHRONOLOGICAL POTENTIAL OF BLUE PINE (PINUS WALLICHIANA A.B. JACKS.) OF KULDANA RESERVE FOREST OF TEHSIL MURREE, PAKISTAN

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Age and growth rate studies of blue pine, Pinus wallichiana (A.B. Jacks.) were carried out in Kuldana reserve forest of Tehsil Murree, Pakistan. Forest was divided into ten stands and cores from fifty trees were taken. Fifty samples (cores) were extracted from this forest by using Swedish increment borers. Velmex Measuring System was used in measuring tree ring widths. Diameter at breast height (Dbh) was measured and GPS (Global Positioning System) reading of each sample was also noted. Crossdating of every sample was done manually by this system. The oldest tree was observed 454 years of age and youngest was 65 years of age. Most of the trees were more than 130 years of age in the study area. Overall, a good growth rate was observed which indicated the climate conditions favored the growth of species in this site. Regression analysis was performed in between Dbh (inches) and age, (years) and Dbh (inches) and growth rate (inches). Maximum value (R2=0.8272) was observed from mid-point to endpoint of Forest which showed significant positive correlation and no significant correlation was observed in both marked points between growth rate (inches) and Dbh (inches) at this site.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Identifying non-thrive trees and predicting wood density from resistograph using temporal convolution network

Deep learning approaches have been adopted in Forestry research including tree classification and inventory prediction. In this study, we proposed an application of a deep learning approach, Temporal Convolution Network, on sequences of radial resistograph profiles to identify non-thrive trees and to predict wood density. Non-destructive resistance drilling measurements on South and West orientations of 274 trees in a 41-year-old Douglas-fir stand in Marion County, Oregon, USA were used as input series. Non-thrive trees were defined based on their changes in social status since establishment. Wood density was derived by X-ray densitometry from cores obtained by increment borers. Data was split for cross validation. Optimal models were fine-tuned with training and validation datasets, then run with test datasets for model evaluation metrics. Results confirmed that the application of the Temporal Convolution Network on resistograph profiles enables non-thrive tree identification with the probability, represented by the area under the Receiver Operator Characteristic curve, equal to 0.823. Temporal Convolution Network for wood density prediction showed a slight improvement in accuracy (RMSE = 18.22) compared to the traditional linear (RMSE = 20.15) and non-linear (RMSE = 20.33) regression methods. We suggest that the use of machine learning algorithms can be a promising methodology for the analysis of sequential data from non-destructive devices.

Assessing intraspecific wood density variations of Syzgium sp. in tropical forest of Southwest Sabah

Wood density (WD) is a critical determinant of estimating forest above-ground biomass (AGB) and carbon stock. Thus, heterogeneity in WD on individuals within species trees needs to be scrutinized, and acquisition of fixed WD value is essential to estimate carbon stock with confidence. This study investigated intraspecific variation in WD of Syzgium sp., also known as “Jambu” or “Kelat”. It is the most occurring species in study areas, and is regarded as an economically important species. Firstly, one half-diameter drilling from bark-to-pith measurement was taken per tree using Rinntech Resistograph R650-ED at breast height. Meanwhile, 5.15 mm-diameter core was sampled at 1.30 m above-ground, with DeWalt DCF899HP2 20V impact wrench 950 Nm and Haglöf increment borer. WD was estimated for each core sample using a dimensional method. Drilling resistance (DR) profiles were processed using DECOM 2.38m1 Scientific (c), and several independent variables were extracted from the resistogram. All resistogram-derived variables were positively correlated with field WD (R: 0.2 – 0.70). In addition, variability on WD in Syzgium sp. population is predominantly explained by the Resistograph amplitude, expressed as mean raw scale of adjusted DR (DR adj.RawSC) in a regression model. Given that intraspecific variation in WD is a crucial conjecture in forest AGB estimation, it is recommended to analyze with larger samples, and in-depth exploration on Resistograph-based variables is deemed to improve the accuracy of WD prediction models.

Динамика выделения соснового терпентина в зависимости от макроструктурных показателей древесины на болотных почвах

Issues related to predicting the production of wood chemical products of sap (turpentine) of pine growing on peat soils, according to the data of radial growth in recent years (current growth), are quite relevant nowadays. It is well known that natural pine turpentine is superior in many respects to similar raw materials obtained in wood chemical industry by extraction. The experiment aimed at determining the specific relationship between the flow of pine turpentine and the wood macrostructure involved the following types of stands: control (naturally swamped), artificially drained (using gravity canals), as well as drained and anthropogenically disturbed by partial harvesting (in 2005). The study was carried out in the Sokol municipal district of the Vologda region (Sokol area forestry). The stands in the experiment are represented by high and medium density categories and dominated by pine. The stock of pine stem mass in drained conditions reaches 500 m3/ha. The express method of micro-wounding made it possible to determine the dynamics of resin flow in the shortest possible time, for 2013–2015 (during three months of the summer part of the growing season). A day after fixing the tubes in the tree bark, the turpentine flow was measured (individual and statistically average recording). Wood sampling in the radial section was carried out in 2019 by an increment borer; the increment of late and early wood, the width of the annual ring and the proportion of late wood in the annual layers were found. Statistical analyses of the obtained results were carried out: variation, correlation and regression. Student’s and Fisher’s tests were used as well. The positive effect of hydro-forest reclamation on the flow of turpentine during pine tapping was confirmed. It is possible to predict resin flow with an error probability of 43 % based on radial growth data in a pine forest on peat soils after artificial drainage. During the experiment in naturally swamped conditions it was not possible to predict trends in resin flow by radial growth of wood.

GROWTH AND PHYSIOLOGICAL RESILIENCE OF PINE FORESTS IN UKRAINIAN POLISSIA

The main prerequisite for this study is the use of forest resources corresponding to the principles of sustainable forest management. The purpose of this study is to figure out the growth characteristics of pine stands and their physiological response to adverse factors. The experimental material (cores) was selected from pine forests of Ukrainian Polissia using Haglöf increment borer at breast height of 1.3 m. The number of annual rings and the parameters of radial increment were found using the ImageJ software. The result was a tree-ring chronology of sample trees. Statistical analysis of the experimental data proved that the radial increment variability decreases with age, and it ranges within 0.99-2.78 mm. The average radial increment value in the data set under study is 1.79 mm. The average number of annual rings of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) trees is 80: the minimum is 61, the maximum is 92. The correlation analysis of experimental data proved that the pairwise correlation coefficients of radial increment (-0.54) and current increment by diameter (-0.53) have an inverse relationship with the age of trees, and diameter at breast height with age – a direct relationship (0.87). The developed mathematical models of the dynamics of the width of the annual ring, the diameter at breast height and the current increment by diameter allow estimating the growth characteristics of Scots pine trees throughout their life. The obtained results were compared with the growth tables of fully stocked (at a relative stocking of 1.0) stands. The adequacy test of the developed mathematical models proved the accuracy of the given patterns and is as follows: for the width dynamics of the annual ring – 0.46; the diameter at breast height – 0.78, and the percentage of current increment by diameter – 0.51. Based on standardisation of individual chronologies by calculating sensitivity coefficients, no significant physiological response was established. Accordingly, the impact of short-term stress reactions is insignificant. The maximum resistance of pine stands to adverse environmental factors is achieved at the age of 50-60 years. This study is important to evaluate the impact of climate change and other adverse factors on the growth of pine stands and forecasting the dynamics of biometric indices. The obtained results can be used by the specialists at IA “Ukrderzhlisproekt” to update biometric indices and substantiate the use of forest resources

A case study on geomorphology: Tree-ring-based confirmation of the formation year of Lake Kaindy after the 1911 Kemin earthquake in Almaty (Kazakhstan)

Lake Kaindy, which is located in the Kazakhstan side of the Tien Shan Mountains is one of the most famous places in the World due to having sunken Picea schrenkiana Fisch. & C.A.Mey. trees within the Lake. The purpose of the study is to find the dead years of the sunken trees in the lake and therefore to confirm the formation time of Kaindy Lake, and if there is an effect of the 1911 Kemin earthquake on the tree-ring width of Picea schrenkiana around the lake. Eight wood pieces and two increment cores from the sunken trees were taken to find the formation time of the lake. For building a reference chronology to date these sunken woods, a total of 43 increment cores from 25 trees of Picea schrenkiana were extracted by using an increment borer 50 cm long. Four sunken trees were dated to 1912, and dating statistics which are Gleichlaufigkeit value (percentage of parallel variation), t-tests (TV, TVB, TVBP), and CDI (crossdating index) were calculated as 74%(***), 3.3(**), 7.9(***), 9.7(***) and 57, respectively, and all are significant. According to the 11-year event analysis, the ratio of decrease after the earthquake is 34% in older trees, and 20% in younger ones. One of the main reasons for long-term decreasing growth may be breaking the root tips and dying the roots with the effect of the violent vibration in the earthquake. With this dendrogeomorphological study, the formation date of Lake Kaindy was determined as 1911 and the local information was confirmed with tree-ring data. After the year of the great earthquake, a long-term dry period occurred up to the years of 1930s. Tree-ring results showed that the affected trees from the earthquake produced narrower rings during this dry period.