Intra-annual radial growth variations of two Norway spruce trees (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) were monitored over 4 years, at four heights up the stem, by means of point-dendrometers. The trees were then felled and radial wood samples were cut from the radii that had been monitored by the dendrometers and analyzed for density. From the radial growth measurements recorded by the dendrometers, we related positions within the rings to dates, thus making possible investigation of the relationships between changes within the rings in wood density and fluctuations in climate or growth rate. Radial growth started in early April and ended, with large intra-annual differences, in August or September. Short-term variations in growth rate were related to fluctuations in climate parameters and soil water reserves. The sensitivity of radial growth to climate decreased with stem height. Wood density responded strongly to drought events, and a dry period in June 1996 induced false-ring formation. Wood density was relatively independent of growth rate and climatic conditions during the first part of the growing season, but increased with decreasing radial growth rate later in the growing season.

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Background: Increased exportation of harvest residues from forests, to mitigate excessive demand for woody biomass, have reportedly diminished soil mineral resources and may lead to degraded tree nutrition and tree growth. However, as nutrients become less available in the soil, the remobilization of nutrients in biomass tissues (plant internal cycling) helps sustain tree nutrition. Our study aims to quantify the impact of Removing Harvest Residues and Litter (RHRL) during five years on tree growth, wood density and stem wood nutrient concentrations in young beech and oak forest stands.Result: Our study found that, RHRL significantly decreased the tree growth ring width, by 14%, and wood density, by 3%, in beech trees, in the near bark rings. RHRL also significantly reduced the nutrient concentration in the near bark and near pith area of both species. Mg, Na and S were found lower by 44%, 76% and 56%, respectively, in the near bark area of beech trees, and K, Ca, Mg, Na, S and Fe were lower by 20%, 25%, 41%, 48%, 41% and 16%, respectively, in the near bark area of oak trees. K and Mg concentrations decreased more strongly in the near pith area compared to the near bark area suggesting internal translocation of these two elements. Conclusion: In beech trees, wood density proved to be an important factor while quantifying the effect of removing harvest residuals on the tree growth and biomass. Soil nutrient loss intensified the remobilization of nutrients contained in older tree rings (close to the pith) towards newly formed rings (close to bark). In our study, in beech trees, K was found to be the most recycled major nutrient. These results demonstrate the potential of such analysis for providing valuable insight into the effect of RHRL in premature stands on the physiological adaptive strategies of trees and an indication of soil fertility and acidity status.

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