Influence of droughts to the radial growth of scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.)

Abstract

Dendroclimatological research on the radial growth of Scots pine in Lithuania has been conducted. The aim of the study was to estimate the differences of the impact of droughts on dry and wet growing sites. Impact of droughts on the radial growth of pine using pointer years (i.e. years with narrow tree rings in the majority of trees) was investigated. Research has revealed that winter colds and summer droughts are attributed as causes of negative pointer years. Totally, six pointer years of pines radial growth have been provoked by droughts during 20(th) century. Pines growing on wet boggy sites (Myrtillo-spaghno-Pinetum) have been established to be sensitive to dry climate conditions in summer. It was established that the number of pines affected by droughts on wet sites is even bigger than on dry sites.