ZLV Online

Abstract

Scots pine has been considered a resistant tree species not only to adverse habitats but also to drought for a long time for its pioneering character, enabling it to thrive at significantly nutrient-poor and dry sites where the competitive pressure of other tree species is reduced. It has also some physiological properties adapted for the increased efficiency of water management. However, the increased and cumulated drought stress in Central Europe after 2013, which has accelerated significantly since 2015, showed the limits of the Scots pine´s sustainable prosperity in many sites of its present occurrence. The research analyses 101 studies published in the period from 1975 to 2022, representing basic properties, ecophysiological aspects, health status development, growth and fertility of Scots pine related to drought stress. It also deals with the influence of the tree species mixing effect and silvicultural management on the health status of Scots pine stands. The review aims to provide comprehensive material for understanding the development of Scots pine´s health and growth, as well as optimising its use under ongoing global climate change conditions characterised by an increase in annual air temperatures and by irregular distribution of precipitation, leading to the increasing frequency of drought periods. Methodological recommendations for silviculture in pine forests are also mentioned here.