Parts Of Central Europe Research Articles

Managing Sustainable Development of Rural Areas Using Algorithms of Agricultural Specialization

The aim of this study is to develop a sustainability management system in rural areas through the use of the algorithm for determining agricultural specialization. Methods of determining prospective directions of development of agriculture is developed by the author based on cluster technology and tested in a study of rural areas of the Penza region, situated in the Central European part of Russia. The algorithm includes a number of stages: collection and processing of statistical information, the use of cluster analysis, the use of weighting factors characterize clusters and clustering objects, and the study of marketing, production facilities, climatic conditions. During the clustering of rural areas using k-means, the significance of certain cluster indices is determined (5-10% error). If the factors are not significant, it indicates that the crop can be grown everywhere, or in a limited number of areas, which indicates their specialization. On this basis, the article provides recommendations for a change in direction for the agricultural specialization of Neverkinsk municipality. Thus, differentiation of rural areas, depending on the indicators of socio-economic subsystems and specialization of agricultural production allows to allocate specific ‘points of growth’ to each of them based on suitability to the different types of activities, and to develop targeted programs of the territory management on the basis of step analysis. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n3s5p147

Estimation of grassland use intensities based on high spatial resolution LAI time series

Abstract. The identification and surveillance of agricultural management and the measurement of biophysical canopy parameters in grasslands is relevant for environmental protection as well as for political and economic reasons, as proper grassland management is partly subsidized. An ideal monitoring tool is remote sensing due to its area wide continuous observations. However, due to small-scaled land use patterns in many parts of central Europe, a high spatial resolution is needed. In this study, the feasibility of RapidEye data to derive leaf area index (LAI) time series and to relate them to grassland management practices is assessed. The study area is the catchment of river Ammer in southern Bavaria, where agricultural areas are mainly grasslands. While extensively managed grasslands are maintained with one to two harvests per year and no or little fertilization, intensive cultivation practices compass three to five harvests per year and turnover pasturing. Based on a RapidEye time series from 2011 with spatial resolution of 6.5 meters, LAI is derived using the inverted radiation transfer model PROSAIL. The LAI in this area ranges from 1.5 to 7.5 over the vegetation period and is estimated with an RMSE between 0.7 and 1.1. The derived LAI maps cover 85 % of the study area’s grasslands at least seven times. Using statistical metrics of the LAI time series, different grassland management types can be identified: very intensively managed meadows, intensively managed meadows, intensively managed pastures, and extensively managed meadows and moor. However, a precise identification of the mowing dates highly depends on the coincidence with satellite data acquisitions. Further analysis should focus therefor on the selection of the temporal resolution of the time series as well as on the performance of further vegetation parameters and indices compared to LAI.

Anthropogenic black carbon emissions to the atmosphere: Surface distribution through Russian territory

Official statistical data from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Ecology of the Russian Federation on anthropogenic pollutant emissions from Russian cities and regions for 2010 are analyzed, and the black carbon (BC) emission distribution through the Russian territory is estimated. The lack of this information makes it difficult to study the long-range atmospheric transport of BC and forecast the related climate and ecological effects. Calculations are based on available data on carbon monoxide (CO) and BC emissions from Russian cities and regions under the assumption of proportionality of the BC and CO emissions, indepen-dently of transport and stationary sources. The analysis includes 54 regions and almost 100 cities in an area within (50–72° N × 20–180° E), which covers about 94% of the Russian territory. The spatial distribution of the annual BC emission through the territory under study is modeled on a (1° × 1°) grid for the first time. The total annual BC emission from this area is estimated at (210 ± 30) Gg. The main anthropogenic BC sources are located in industrial regions of the central European part of Russia, Southern Ural, Western Siberia, and on the large sparsely populated territories of the Western Siberia with natural oil/gas extraction industry.

A Study of Precipitation Climatology and Its Variability over Europe Using an Advanced Regional Model (WRF)

In recent years long-term precipitation trends on a regional scale have been given emphasis due to the impacts of global warming on regional hydrology. In this study, regional precipitation trends are simulated over the Europe continent for a 60-year period in 1950-2010 using an advanced regional model, WRF, to study extreme precipitation events over Europe. The model runs continuously for each year during the period at a horizontal resolution of 25 km with initial/ boundary conditions derived from the National Center for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) 2.5 degree reanalysis data sets. The E-OBS 0.25 degree rainfall observation analysis is used for model validation. Results indicate that the model could reproduce the spatial annual rainfall pattern over Europe with low amounts (250 - 750 mm) in Iberian Peninsula, moderate to large amounts (750 - 1500 mm) in central, eastern and northeastern parts of Europe and extremely heavy falls (1500 - 2000 mm) in hilly areas of Alps with a slight overestimation in Alps and underestimation in other parts of Europe. The regional model integrations showed increasing errors (mean absolute errors) and decreasing correlations with increasing time scale (daily to seasonal). Rainfall is simulated relatively better in Iberian Peninsula, northwest and central parts of Europe. A large spatial variability with the highest number of wet days over eastern, central Europe and Alps (~200 days/year) and less number of wet days over Iberian Peninsula (≤150 days/year) is also found in agreement with observations. The model could simulate the spatial rainfall climate variability reasonably well with low rainfall days (1 - 10 mm/days) in almost all zones, heavy rainfall events in western, northern, southeastern hilly and coastal zones and extremely heavy rainfall events in northern coastal zones. An increasing trend of heavy rainfall in central, southern and southeastern parts, a decreasing trend in Iberian Peninsula and a steady trend in other zones are found. Overall, the simulated rainfall climatology was reproduced well for the low and heavy rainfall followed by very heavy and extremely heavy rainfall in Europe and the simulation is better in the Iberian west coast, central northern Europe and Alps Mountains.

Porównanie europejskich skal ekologicznych liczb wskaźnikowych w ocenie środowiska fizycznogeograficznego na podstawie charakterystycznych gatunków roślin muraw napiaskowych z klasy Koelerio glaucae-Corynephoretea canescentis

Comparative analysis was performed in relation to the scales of ecological indicator values for plant species proposed by: (1) Ellenberg, for the flora of Germany, (2) Landolt for the flora of Switzerland and (3) Zarzycki for the flora of Poland – in relation to six environmental features classed as either “climatic”: light intensity [L], temperature [T] or continentality [K] or soil-related (edaphic), i.e. moisture [F], acidity [R] and nitrogen content [N]. Species characteristic of sandy xeric grasslands from Koelerio glaucaeCorynephoretea canescentis class were used as a ”tool” in the comparison. Numbers of species differ – from 55 to 62 - depending on environmental features and the compared scales. However, it was assumed that pairs of ecological scales were similar if the percentage share of species was above 50% in corresponding points on scales. The main aim of the analysis was to assess whether compared scales originating from different parts of Central Europe are similar (or different) in their ecological diagnosis as regards climatic and edaphic conditions, where each feature of the geographical environment is expressed in relation to three indicator values deriving from the three scales. The interpretation of results was based around two opposing hypotheses: that the scales compared are similar, with particular points along them conforming to the same ranges of actual measurements, while differences concern the assessment of the requirements of the species as indicators of environmental conditions; or that the scales are different (most often shifted by one degree), while the ecological requirements of the species are similar. The analysis of histograms of frequency for the particular species categories shows that examples supporting the fi rst of the two hypotheses are constituted by the pairs of scales for: (1) light intensity [L] of Ellenberg and Zarzycki, (2) temperature [T] of Ellenberg and Zarzycki; (3) soil moisture [F] of Ellenberg and Zarzycki; (4) nitrogen content in the soil [N] of Ellenberg and Landolt. In terms of the second hypothesis the distribution of frequencies of the species categories in the histograms allows for the explanation of the differences (shifts) within the compared pairs of scales concerning: (1) light [L] as expressed by Landolt or Zarzycki values; (2) continentality [K] of Ellenberg and Zarzycki; (3) soil moisture [F] of Ellenbeg and Landolt; (4) soil moisture of Landolt and Zarzycki; (5) soil acidity of Landolt and Zarzycki; (5) nitrogen content in the soil [N] of Ellenberg and Zarzycki. It is worth noting that similar results for analysis were obtained when the same ecological scales of indicator values were compared by reference to species from meadows of Molinio-Arrhenathereta class (Roo-Zielinska, 2004), deciduous forest of Querco-Fagetea class (Roo-Zielińska 2009) and xerothermic grasslands of Festuco-Brometea class (RooZielińska, 2012). This means that a total of around 380 species (of meadow, deciduous forest, xerothermic and sandy xeric grassland) have now been evaluated, though admittedly this is still only about 20% of K. Zarzycki’s list of Polish flora (Zarzycki et al., 2002). Nevertheless, the ecological spectra and tolerances found for the four groups are very different, with results obtained suggesting the need to continue with the comparative analysis of European ecological scales for groups of species characteristic of different phytosociological units/associations, with appropriate ecological indicator values for Polish flora and plant communities being found in the process.

Does vegetation impact on the population dynamics and male function in Anemone sylvestris L. (Ranunculaceae)? A case study in three natural populations of xerothermic grasslands

In Poland, like in other parts of Central Europe, dry grasslands significantly contribute to the biodiversity of both fauna and flora. Anthropogenic pressure impair many species of xerothermic habitats, and several populations face an increased risk of extinction. The goal of the study was to define factors that may affect the size of wild populations of <em>Anemone sylvestris</em> L., a protected species in Poland, with both a short- and long-term perspective, and to examine the influence of vegetation changes on the density, the abundance of flowering and male function (pollen production, pollen viability), as well as seed set. In situ observations were performed in 2005–2006 and 2011–2012 in three populations located on the Lublin Upland, SE Poland. The reduction in population density and <em>A. sylvestris</em> blooming was exacerbated by the expansion of the shrubs, but not by <em>Brachypodium pinnatum</em>. Male characteristics of <em>A. sylvestris</em>, i.e. pollen amount per multi-staminate flowers or pollen viability appeared to decrease under pressure of shrub competition. Populations with limitation of male function had impaired degree of seed set. Various consequences for the functioning of populations within a metapopulation system can be expected due to substantial qualitative and quantitative disorders in pollen traits. It is crucial that successful recovery programs for <em>A. sylvestris</em> primary should aim to conserve and manage the habitat.

Regime Transition of the North Atlantic Oscillation and the Extreme Cold Event over Europe in January–February 2012

Abstract In this paper, large-scale aspects for the onset of the extreme cold European weather event in January–February 2012 are investigated. It is shown that the outbreak of this extreme cold weather event may be attributed to the transition from a positive North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO+) event to a long-lasting blocking event over the eastern Atlantic and western Europe (hereafter ENAO−). A persistent decline of the surface air temperature (SAT) is seen over all of Europe during the long-lived ENAO− event, while the main region of enhanced precipitation is located over southern Europe and part of central Europe, in association with the presence of a persistent double storm track: one over the Norwegian and Barents Seas and the other over southern Europe. The NAO+ to NAO− transition events are divided into NAO+ to ENAO− and NAO+ to WNAO− transition events [ENAO− (WNAO−) events correspond to eastward- (westward-) displaced NAO− events whose positive center is defined to be located to the east (west) of 10°W], and a statistical analysis of the NAO+ to ENAO− transition events during 1978–2012 is performed. It is found that there has been a marked increase in the frequency of the NAO+ to ENAO− transition events during the period 2005–12. Composites of SAT anomalies indicate that the marked decline of the SAT observed over much of Europe is primarily associated with NAO+ to ENAO− transition events. Thus, NAO+ to ENAO− transition events may be more favorable for the extreme cold events over Europe observed in recent winters than other types of NAO− events.

Variation in genomic landscape of clear cell renal cell carcinoma across Europe.

The incidence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is increasing worldwide, and its prevalence is particularly high in some parts of Central Europe. Here we undertake whole-genome and transcriptome sequencing of clear cell RCC (ccRCC), the most common form of the disease, in patients from four different European countries with contrasting disease incidence to explore the underlying genomic architecture of RCC. Our findings support previous reports on frequent aberrations in the epigenetic machinery and PI3K/mTOR signalling, and uncover novel pathways and genes affected by recurrent mutations and abnormal transcriptome patterns including focal adhesion, components of extracellular matrix (ECM) and genes encoding FAT cadherins. Furthermore, a large majority of patients from Romania have an unexpected high frequency of A:T>T:A transversions, consistent with exposure to aristolochic acid (AA). These results show that the processes underlying ccRCC tumorigenesis may vary in different populations and suggest that AA may be an important ccRCC carcinogen in Romania, a finding with major public health implications.

Effects of temperature and drought manipulations on seedlings of Scots pine provenances.

Rising temperatures and more frequent and severe climatic extremes as a consequence of climate change are expected to affect growth and distribution of tree species that are adapted to current local conditions. Species distribution models predict a considerable loss of habitats for Pinus sylvestris. These models do not consider possible intraspecific differences in response to drought and warming that could buffer those impacts. We tested 10 European provenances of P.sylvestris, from the southwestern to the central European part of the species distribution, for their response to warming and to drought using a factorial design. In this common-garden experiment the air surrounding plants was heated directly to prevent excessive soil heating, and drought manipulation, using a rain-out shelter, permitted almost natural radiation, including high light stress. Plant responses were assessed as changes in phenology, growth increment and biomass allocation. Seedlings of P.sylvestris revealed a plastic response to drought by increased taproot length and root-shoot ratios. Strongest phenotypic plasticity of root growth was found for southwestern provenances, indicating a specific drought adaptation at the cost of overall low growth of aboveground structures even under non-drought conditions. Warming had a minor effect on growth but advanced phenological development and had a contrasting effect on bud biomass and diameter increment, depending on water availability. The intraspecific variation of P.sylvestris provenances could buffer climate change impacts, although additional factors such as the adaptation to other climatic extremes have to be considered before assisted migration could become a management option.

The Holy Roman Empire, Reconsidered, edited by Jason Philip Coy, Benjamin Marschke, and David Warren Sabean

The Holy Roman Empire, Reconsidered, edited by Jason Philip Coy, Benjamin Marschke, and David Warren Sabean. Spektrum: Publications of the German Studies Association, 1. New York, Berghahn Books, 2010 (hardback), 2013 (paper), xvii, 328 pp. $34.95 US (paper). The title of this book may not sound very enticing to many readers. After all, few historians spend a lot of time considering the Holy Roman in the first place, so why reconsider it? Yet in fact the Holy Roman Empire, which existed for over a thousand years and encompassed much of central Europe, is a subject of profound interest to anyone who wants to understand how such an unwieldy political organism could constantly reshape itself to meet the evolving needs of German society. Voltaire's tedious witticism that the Holy Roman was neither holy, nor Roman, nor an Empire is too readily quoted by those who do not want to bother to find out how and why this remarkable political entity lasted so long and commanded so much allegiance before it finally collapsed under the weight of Napoleon's armies in 1806. At the annual meeting of the Gentian Studies Association in 2007, a total of ten separate sessions were devoted to reconsidering the Holy Roman Empire. Fourteen of the more than thirty papers given at that meeting have now been collected in this volume. All of the contributions are refreshingly short, reflecting their origins as twenty-minute conference papers. Many of these essays demonstrate the communicative turn in the study of history--the notion, simply stated, that signs, symbols, and words are not mere representations of the factors of power on which historians focus, but may be what political and social interactions are actually about. Though the Holy Roman was founded in the year 800, only one chapter in this volume focuses on the medieval Empire. Len Scales argues that the repeated transfer of the imperial crown from one great dynasty to another in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, which is normally seen as a sign of the Empire's weakness, exposed the signs and symbols of imperial power to more and more people in various parts of central Europe. The other thirteen chapters deal mostly or wholly with the last three centuries of the Holy Roman Empire, corresponding to the early modern era of European history. Four authors focus on rulers, especially those whose unusual behaviour made them stand out from the multitude of German princes. Michaela Hohkamp revisits the story of Duke Ulrich of Wurttemberg, whose marital troubles in the 1510s contributed to his being driven out of his duchy by the Emperor. In the resulting war of words both the duke and his duchess were mercilessly smeared by their opponents, but Hohkamp shows that these competing accounts must not be taken literally as they drew on gendered stereotypes and served specific political goals. Michael Sikora examines a different kind of marital problem in princely families--cases when a prince insisted on marrying beneath his station, a seemingly private act which often had huge dynastic and political implications. Benjamin Marschke offers a new interpretation of the eccentric Prussian soldier-king Frederick William I, arguing that the king's famously unconventional behaviour actually posed little challenge to the Empire's fundamental values. Werner Trossbach considers princes who behaved so scandalously that imperial officials stepped in to remove them--but points out that this could only happen in the case of tiny territories whose rulers had no means to resist such intervention. …

A new physically based stochastic event catalog for hail in Europe

Hailstorms represent one of the major sources of damage and insurance loss to residential, commercial, and agricultural assets in several parts of Central Europe. However, there is little knowledge of hail risk across Europe beyond local historical damage reports due to the relative rarity of severe hail events and the lack of uniform detection methods. Here we present a new stochastic catalog of hailstorms for Europe. It is based on satellite observations of overshooting cloud tops (OT) that indicate very strong convective updrafts and hail reports from the European Severe Weather Database (ESWD). Historic hail events are defined based on OT detections from satellite infrared brightness temperatures between 2004 and 2011 for the warm seasons (April–September). The satellite-based historical event properties are complemented by hailstone observations from ESWD to stochastically simulate more than 1 million individual events with an event footprint resolution of 10 km. The final hail event catalog presented in this paper is the first one with a spatial event distribution that is based on a single homogeneous observation source over Europe. Areas of high hail probability or hail risk are found over Central and Southern Europe, including mountainous regions such as the Alps or the Pyrenees. Another region of relatively high hail risk is present over central Eastern Europe.

Soil organic matter of Chernozem in the part of Central Europe

In this study, we have tried to evaluate the current contents of Soil Organic Matter (SOM) in the Soil Type Chernozem for Central Europe and to determine the site specific level for the Czech Republic. In the past, the observed effect of SOM on the Agronomic characteristics in particular yields. Nowadays it means a very important influence on the Environment, particularly in the terms of ecological functions of soil (the influence of the filter function, sanitation function, protection against degradation etc.). The statistical analysis included data for all the Chernozems (N = 141) regardless of subtype derived from measurements from 2003 to 2006. Measurements were carried out at selected locations in the Czech Republic.Profiles at each site were divided into topsoil and subsoil and these were separately statistically processed. When evaluating the frequency distribution, we suppose that the anthropic un-affected Soils would be approximately equal to distribution Gauss normal distribution, and both frequency distribution (in topsoil and subsoil) will be similar (mollic horizon in this Soil Type on non-eroded land is relatively deep and homogeneous).Next from of the observed properties is relation between Content of Soil organic Matter and the texture, namely the content of particles smaller than 0.01 mm. The average SOM content is higher in clayey soil, clay-loam soil than in sandy soil. Differences between soil sandy-loam and clayey-loam are statistically significant. The paper also outlined the possible future development of SOM on Chernozem soils.

A new tidal analysis of superconducting gravity observations in Western and Central Europe

Abstract Tidal analysis was applied on 1 hour gravity data acquired by a subnet of 12 superconducting gravimeters situated in western and central parts of Europe. Tidal parameters for O1 and M2 were adjusted. Most of the gravity time series were provided by the Global geodynamics project. Filter effects of the decimation process were carefully studied and taken into account where necessary. The ocean loading effect included in observed tidal parameters was removed using 8 ocean models with different spatial resolutions. Two different comparisons of corrected tidal parameters were performed. As a result, the accuracy of ocean loading correction and global calibration error were evaluated. For O1, amplitude factors are in good agreement with the hydrostatic/elastic model DDW/He while the non-hydrostatic/inelastic model DDW/NHi better describes the M2 amplitude factors. The analysis of residual vectors allowed assessing the efficiency of the used ocean loading models which is about 81% (O1) and 97% (M2).

The effect of forage harvest date and inoculation on the yield and fermentation characteristics of narrow-leaved lupin (Lupinus angustifolius) when ensiled as a whole crop

A experiment was conducted during seasons of the year 2005, 2006 and 2007 to evaluate the effects of the stage of maturity and inoculant application on the fermentation quality of silage produced from narrow leaved lupin. The trial was carried out on the experimental farm in Gorzyn, belonging to Poznan University of Life Sciences (520 33’53 N, 150 53’42 E) in central part of Europe in Poland. A two-factor field experiment was carried out on narrow-leaved lupin cv. Zeus. The first factor was the green forage harvest dates (Cut 1 - at the flat pod stage, Cut 2 – at the stage of green ripe seeds), the other factor – silage inoculants: biological (strains of lactic acid bacteria), chemical (a mixture of organic acids) and a control object without inoculants. The silage raw material was closed in mini-silos for 10 weeks. The crops had a fresh matter yield from 15.8 to 30.8 t ha-1 corresponding to a dry matter yield from 2.2 to 8.8 t ha-1. The dry matter content in unwilted forage per kilogram ranged from 178.8 to 233.8 g. 24-hour wilting caused an increase in dry matter content from 205.5 to 349.5 g kg-1. Both inoculates improved the quality of silages, because they increased the number of lactic acid bacteria and decreased the number of unfavourable groups of bacteria. The narrow-leaved lupin can be used as a silage raw material, but before ensilage plants should be wilted and silage inoculants should be applied.

Direct Radiocarbon Dating of Late Pleistocene Hominids in Eurasia: Current Status, Problems, and Perspectives

The corpus of radiocarbon dates run directly on Pleistocene-age human remains in Eurasia (∼120 values, with ∼80 of them found to be reliable) is analyzed and interpreted. The latest Neanderthals are dated to ∼34,000–30,500 BP (∼38,800–35,400 cal BP). They probably coexisted with the first modern humans at ∼36,200–30,200 BP (∼42,500–32,800 cal BP) in the western and central parts of Europe. The earliest direct14C dates on modern humans in Eurasia are ∼34,950–33,300 BP (∼40,400–37,800 cal BP). A paucity of14C dates corresponding to the LGM is evident for Europe, but Asia perhaps had larger populations during this timespan. The main criteria for the selection of bone/tooth material for direct14C dating as now widely accepted are (1) the collagen yield (generally, 1% or more) and (2) the C:N ratio (within the 2.9–3.4 range).

Direct Radiocarbon Dating of Late Pleistocene Hominids in Eurasia: Current Status, Problems, and Perspectives

The corpus of radiocarbon dates run directly on Pleistocene-age human remains in Eurasia (∼120 values, with ∼80 of them found to be reliable) is analyzed and interpreted. The latest Neanderthals are dated to ∼34,000–30,500 BP (∼38,800–35,400 cal BP). They probably coexisted with the first modern humans at ∼36,200–30,200 BP (∼42,500–32,800 cal BP) in the western and central parts of Europe. The earliest direct14C dates on modern humans in Eurasia are ∼34,950–33,300 BP (∼40,400–37,800 cal BP). A paucity of14C dates corresponding to the LGM is evident for Europe, but Asia perhaps had larger populations during this timespan. The main criteria for the selection of bone/tooth material for direct14C dating as now widely accepted are (1) the collagen yield (generally, 1% or more) and (2) the C:N ratio (within the 2.9–3.4 range).

European Scenario Studies on Future In-Stream Nutrient Concentrations

Abstract. Large-scale water quality issues have recently become the focus of policy and research. To gain insight into large-scale water quality issues, a scenario analysis was carried out for Europe using the continental water quality model WorldQual with total nitrogen and phosphorus as example pollutants. Future nitrogen and phosphorus loadings and in-stream concentrations were simulated for an “economy first” scenario and compared to contemporary conditions. Results indicate that future total nitrogen (TN) loadings are likely to decrease in most parts of central Europe by 5 to 25 kg ha -1 year -1 due to land-use change in the form of reduced cropland area as a result of technological changes, as well as improvements in land-use management based on higher efficiencies of application rates. Climate change has less impact on TN loadings, but an increase of future in-stream concentrations is accompanied by reduced river discharge. Future total phosphorus (TP) loadings are similar to contemporary loadings for all of Europe. In-stream TP concentrations do not change in northern and eastern Europe. In central Europe, concentrations increase little (by one class). In a few regions, such as northern Spain, very high changes (up to more than three classes) are apparent as a result of reduced river discharge.

Paleoparasitological investigations in Mongolia, Middle Asia and Russia

A review of previous and original paleoparasitological investigations of animal dung deposits in Mongolia, Middle Asia, North Caucasus, and central European part of Russia is carried out. The age of deposits with helminth remains spans from ca. 38,000 years BP to premodern times. The composition of helminthes found in ancient feces of animals allows evaluation nutritional parameters of the past, and provides information on animal husbandry.

Growth, regeneration and shade tolerance of the Wild Service Tree (Sorbus torminalis (L.) Crantz) in aged oak coppice forests

Sorbus torminalis L. (Crantz) is a rare species in Central European forests with very limited quantitative information on its regeneration and growth dynamics. Since coppicing is no longer practiced in the most parts of Central Europe, it is unclear whether S. torminalis, which has usually a shorter end height than companion species, can persist in high forest systems. Here, we quantified species frequency on three 1 ha sample plots of former oak coppice forest. To determine whether S. torminalis regenerated continuously and how it might compete with oaks, the age of 80 trees was determined, and diameter and height growth were reconstructed for the 20 largest trees by stem analysis. To assess its shade tolerance, photosynthesis was measured for leaves located in high and low light conditions. Dendrochronological data demonstrated that, over the last 80 years, continuous recruitment of S. torminalis occurred. Growth patterns and photosynthesis measurements suggest that S. torminalis is a highly shade-tolerant species. We conclude that abandonment of coppicing in these forests does not threaten the status of S. torminalis, which can persist beneath the canopy of oaks.

Flushing phenology and fitness of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) provenances from a trial in La Rioja, Spain, segregate according to their climate of origin

European beech (Fagus sylvatica) reaches the south-western limit of its distribution in northern Spain, beyond which the Mediterranean climate is thought to restrict further expansion of the species range. Consequently, current and future climate change in the region is expected to push back the range margin and threaten the survival of local beech populations. In a provenance trial of pan-European beech populations growing under harsh conditions in La Rioja, we tested whether associations between the timing of spring phenology assessed over three years affected the performance of beeches at the site, and whether they exhibited a trade off between growth rate and survival. In particular, we considered whether the relationship between performance under conditions of summer drought and spring frost at the trial site was dependent on the climate at the site of provenance origin. We report that early-flushing provenances from continental climates in the south-east and parts of central Europe were among the tallest after ten years of growth in the trial: for instance from Val di Sella, northern Italy (mean bud burst day 114 and height 173cm); Gotze Delchev, Bulgaria (day 115, height 135cm); and Aarberg, Switzerland (day 118, height 151cm). While late-flushing provenances from maritime climates in northern and western Europe were among the shortest in the trial: for instance from Soignes, Belgium (day 124, height 73cm); Gullmarsberg, Sweden (day 122, height 69cm); and Bathurst Estate, southern England (day 122, height 85cm). There was no evidence that early flushing increased the mortality of trees at the trial site. The large-scale geographical patterns in flushing strategy reflected a trade off between pre-emptive growth before the summer drought and susceptibility to late frosts. Our findings emphasise the need to conserve populations from the range edge in the south of Europe, the Balkans and western Alps, whose combination of early flushing and drought resistance may become desirable traits for the improved future performance of beech in response to climate change.