Farnaz Emadi, Meghdad Jourgholami, Jahangir Feghhi, Alireza Nikoutadbir, Kambiz Pourtahmasi, Eric R. Labelle, Reza Oladi
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引用次数: 0
Key message
Logging boosted Oriental beech growth by easing competition, but decoupled growth from soil conditions and increased sensitivity to winter temperature over summer precipitation.
Abstract
Forest ecosystems are shaped by complex interactions among soil properties, tree growth, and management practices. This study examines the long-term impact of forest harvesting on the radial growth and climatic sensitivity of Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis) in Iran’s Hyrcanian forests. We compared tree-ring width chronologies and soil properties between harvested and undisturbed sites over a 60-year period (1962–2021). Tree cores from 35 mature beech trees and soil samples were analyzed for bulk density, moisture content, porosity, and litter depth. While bulk density and porosity were similar, harvested sites had significantly reduced litter depth and slightly higher moisture. Trees in undisturbed sites showed a gradual decline in growth, whereas those in harvested sites exhibited a growth release after 1984, surpassing the undisturbed trees post-2004. In undisturbed stands, tree growth was more strongly associated with soil moisture and porosity, while these relationships were decoupled in harvested areas, likely due to canopy opening and reduced competition. Litter depth contributed as a significant predictor only in multivariate models. Climate-growth analysis showed greater sensitivity to summer precipitation in undisturbed trees, while trees in harvested sites were more negatively affected by winter temperatures. These findings suggest that harvesting may enhance growth but also alter climate responses and soil dynamics, underscoring the need for low-impact forestry tailored to site conditions.
期刊介绍：
Trees - Structure and Function publishes original articles on the physiology, biochemistry, functional anatomy, structure and ecology of trees and other woody plants. Also presented are articles concerned with pathology and technological problems, when they contribute to the basic understanding of structure and function of trees. In addition to original articles and short communications, the journal publishes reviews on selected topics concerning the structure and function of trees.
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