Climate change impacts on growth of forests in Central Europe

Growth simulations indicated that climate change will substantially affect the growth of spruce and beech, but not of oak, in Central Europe. Growth of spruce and beech in their upper distribution ranges was projected to improve, while drought-induced production decline was projected at the species’ receding edges. The results indicate that oak production will either remain the same or will increase. Future production of beech seems uncertain and might decline, while spruce production is likely to increase.

Source: Hlásny et al., 2011. Climate Research 47: 219–236.

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