Work

Radial growth and climate responses of healthy versus decayed subalpine conifer trees in the southeastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Forest loss and degradation caused by decayed trees present an increasingly challenging issue for the protection and utilization of forest resources. Yet, compared with healthy trees, it is questionable whether decayed trees can still function as carbon sinks. Here, using tree ring data, we established basal area increment (BAI) series of healthy and decayed fir trees (three Abies spp.) at four sites in the southeastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP). We conducted a comparative analysis of the difference in the BAI and response to climate factors between the healthy and decayed fir. The results show that both fast- and slow-growing fir trees can undergo decay. The radial growth of decayed fir trees is restricted in warm and humid areas. Moreover, healthy fir exhibits a more pronounced response to climatic conditions. Overall, almost all BAI series of healthy and decayed fir in the southeastern QTP is positively correlated with the temperature and vapor pressure deficit. We used correlations to examine conifer trees’ growth rate in relation to their likelihood of decay, and provide a compelling explanation for the limited growth of decayed fir. This study’s findings can bolster the accurate assessment of carbon sinks and the conservation of forest resources in regions prone to high-decaying risks.

Source: Ecological Indicators

DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolind.2024.112845

Authors: Lingzhuo Luo, Wenzhi Wang, Zhehong Wu, Yong Su

Institutions: Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Tree-ring climate responses

Subfield: Atmospheric Science

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Life on land, Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,970