Four-dimensional growth response of mature Larix decidua to stem burial under natural conditions

Abstract

This paper illustrates the effects of abrupt stem burial (burial depth *0.5 m) on tree growth in mature (46 ± 8 years) European larch (Larix decidua Mill.) trees. In contrast to the previous research, which was mostly carried out with saplings and on experimental sites where regular aggradation occurred through the transport of sand, this work focuses on the impact of natural, abrupt burial of mature trees with rocks contained in a sandy-silty matrix typical for debris flows in mountainous headwater catchments. The effect of burial is assessed radially and axially within the stem and over almost three decades after burial. The analysis of growth disturbances and their intensity was based on the 143 cross sections (572 growth series) taken at 10-cm intervals from 6 Larix decidua Mill. The results show quite clearly that abrupt burial causes massive suppression of radial growth as compared to pre-event conditions (mean 77 %, min 38 %, max 92 %, SD 7.2 %). The trees sampled were unable to resume pre-burial growth rates even after 25 years, but recovered to reference growth conditions (as measured in undisturbed, local reference trees) after 15 years (min 3 years, max 25 years, SD 9 years). The results differ only insignificantly between different heights along the tree axis and suppression is equally well expressed at different radial positions within the stem.

Effects of Open-Cast Sulphur Mining on Sediment Transfers and Toxification of Riparian Forests

“…2009a, 2009b) and/or the result of drought stress, but has not been observed in relation – at least not in significant numbers – in trees affected by burial (Kogelnig‐Mayer et al . ). We therefore assume that the massive formation of TRDs is clearly reflective of the toxification event and the deposition of toxic sediments.…”

“…Our study confirms the findings of Kogelnig‐Mayer et al . () who previously described GS as the main growth anomaly in trees after stem burial.…”

“…Kogelnig‐Mayer et al . () recently documented the effects of abrupt stem burial on growth in mature European larch ( Larix decidua Mill.) trees by debris flows.…”

XRCT images and variograms reveal 3D changes in wood density of riparian trees affected by floods

“…Through the identification and tree-ring dating of anatomical changes next to wounds, researchers have been able to reconstruct past hydrogeomorphic activity such as floods (Ballesteros et al 2010a, b;2011a, b), debris flows (Bollschweiler et al 2008;Bollschweiler and Stoffel 2010), snow avalanches (Stoffel and Hitz 2008;, rockfalls (Schneuwly et al 2009a;Trappmann et al 2013) or fires (Arbellay et al 2014a, b), among others. However, efficient wound dating on living trees is subject to detailed knowledge of the area affected in the three dimensions of the stem (Schneuwly et al 2009b;Arbellay et al 2012a;Kogelnig-Mayer et al 2013). Therefore, it is recognized that more efforts are still needed to better understand changes induced to trees after wounding, and even more so in broadleaved trees (Stoffel and Corona 2014).…”

Debris-flow activity in five adjacent gullies in a limestone mountain range

“…clast size, lithology). Calcareous material has been described in the past to lead to GS in case of massive stem burial as a result of limited water, nutrient and oxygen supply (Kogelnig- Mayer et al, 2013). In case of light stem burial, sedimentation may also lead to a GR in case that the delivered material is rich in nutrients which may fertilize the soil layers surrounding the tree (Mayer et al, 2010).…”