ZLV Online

Abstract

The main goals of the study were i) identification of the dwarf pine length and radial increment along an altitude gradient, and ii) analysis of the length and radial increment over time and assessment of the climate impact. In two localities of the orographic unit the Orava Beskydy Mountains (Slovakia), in elevation zones <1450 m, 1450–1600 m and > 1600 m, cross sections of dwarf pine branches were taken and length increments were measured for a more detailed analysis of the growth depending on altitude and climatic conditions. Results do not prove a decrease in the dwarf pine growth in connection with the altitude. Based on different trends of the length and the radial incremental chronologies we assume that the growth of dwarf pine was the result of combination of positive and negative environmental factors (e. g. increase in average temperature, ozone deposition, atmospheric pollution, intraspecific competition) and the species strategy to cope with these factors. An increase in average temperature during the growing season did not appear to be the main factor influencing the growth dynamics of dwarf pine. Nevertheless, the growth of dwarf pine was significantly influenced by temperature of the current and previous growing season and precipitation in April and July.