Growth trends and relationships with environmental factors for scots pine [Pinus sylvestris (L.)] in Brandemburg

Abstract

Scots pine growth trends have been determined in Brandenburg (eastern Germany) since the early 1960s. We investigated the interactions between recognized causal factors such temperature, precipitation and foliage nutrient contents in Scots pine and radial and height growth. We performed height stem analysis on 63 Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) trees on seven sites from long-term research plots. Variations in the nutritional condition of the seven stands have been recorded by means of needle analysis. The relationship between thermal, mean monthly temperature, and pluvial conditions, total monthly precipitation, and tree radial increments was analysed, using methods of correlation, response function and principal components analysis. Temporal trends of height growth changes in relation to levels of foliar nitrogen and phosphorous contents were analysed. Evapotranspiration index was correlated with height growth deviation values, with indications of different stands behaviour. A distinct rise in N-levels and in the dry weight of needles has become evident. N and P ratio from declining plots was found to have significantly higher values as compared to that from non-declining plots.