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Seedling survival and dynamics of upper timberline in Central Apennines

Catorci A., Scapin W., Tardella F., Vitanzi A.

Polish Journal of Ecology

2012

Vol. 60, nr 1

79-94

Despite several studies on the timberline dynamics in Europe were carried out in the last decades, very few papers refer to mountain areas where the timberline is composed of broadleaved trees, and no research was conducted on the dynamics of Apennine beech timberline in relation to seedling survival. The research aim was to analyse the beech wood timberline dynamics in the central Apennines, with reference to seedling survival. Furthermore, factors affecting seedling survival were identified. To assess the forest ecotone dynamics, vegetation layer cover, rock fragment cover and information about forest management and krummholz occurrence were collected in sampling plots placed over 1,600 m a.s.l., on north-facing slopes. The beech seedlings occurring in Brachypodium genuense-dominated stands above the timberline were counted and monitored along two growing seasons. Soil temperature, soil moisture, and photosynthetically active radiation available for seedlings (PHAR) in grasslands above timberline were measured. The research outputs indicate that timberline is not a natural boundary and that there is no evidence of its extension upwards. The greatest number of beech seedlings was recorded in late spring. The one-year mortality rate ranged from 71 to 100%. None of the seedlings still alive in the early autumn of the first year were recorded in the following spring. The competitive exclusion by Brachypodium genuense individuals, which limit the incident PHAR, and the low soil moisture during summer, were identified as the main factors that account for the high mortality of seedlings and affect beech regeneration above timberline. The effect of competition is probably intensified by the lack of pioneer shrubs which could otherwise serve as nurse plants for beech seedlings and protect them from browsing by wild ungulates. Thus, both the current and the past land use may be considered as driving forces in timberline dynamics. Probably, also the trend of global warming, that in the Mediterranean and sub-Mediterranean climatic context would determine the increase of summer drought stress, could worsen the effect of competitive exclusion of beech seedlings, so that it can be hypothesized that the expansion upwards of the upper timberline in the Apennines could be totally blocked.

Effect of alpine treeline conditions on the response of the stem radial variation of Picea meyeri Rebd. et Wils to environmental factors / Manyu Dong [et al.]

Dong M., Jiang Y., Zhang W., Yang Y., Yang H.

Polish Journal of Ecology

2011

Vol. 59, nr 4

729-739

Alpine treeline is an important ecological boundary, marked by a change in site conditions and plant communities when crossing the forest limit, and tree growth at treeline is strongly constrained by the harsh environment. Finer resolution studies of tree radial variation on short temporal scales can be useful to explore the main physical variables that trigger the radial growth. From 19th Oct. 2008 to 25th Oct. 2009, we continuously monitored the stem radial variation of Picea meyeri Rebd. Et Wils trees using point dendrometers, at the treeline of Luya Mountains (altitude 2700 m a.s.l.), North China. Our results showed that there were two reverse daily variation patterns in the warm and cold seasons, which were related to the daily transpiration course and daily stem freeze-thaw cycles, respectively. Annual stem radial growth of Picea meyeri was divided into the four distinct periods: 1) spring stem rehydration, 2) summer stem rapid growth, 3) autumn stem dehydration contraction and 4) winter stem stagnation. The stem radial variation of Picea meyeri at the alpine treeline was closely dependent on climate conditions. Soil temperature was the most important factor affecting radial growth, which determined the initiation of radial growth and the cambial activity during the growing season.