Mediterranean old-growth forests exhibit resistance to climate warming

Colangelo, Michele; Camarero, J. Julio; Gazol, Antonio; Piovesan, Gianluca; Borghetti, Marco; Baliva, Michele; Gentilesca, Tiziana; Rita, Angelo; Schettino, Aldo; Ripullone, Francesco

doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149684

Cited by 39 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 75 publications

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“…They are not only an important part of urban landscape, but also a symbol of an ecological city and a witness to urban changes. Notably, old trees tended to have relatively stabler growth rates than young trees, showing their remarkable resistance to climate warming [51]. The presence of ONTs can affect the climate; when they die, the carbon they have stored is released into the atmosphere and contributes to global warming [52].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Spatial Distribution and Driving Factors of Old and Notable Trees in a Fast-Developing City, Northeast China

et al. 2022

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As a symbol of urban civilization and history, old and notable trees (ONTs) are facing challenges brought by rapid urbanization. Changchun is the fastest growing city in Northeast China, and throughout its development process of over 100 years it has preserved many ONTs. This study investigated all the ONTs in Changchun, and analyzed the species diversity, spatial distribution characteristics, dimension, age, and health status of trees by using ecological index and mathematical statistics, and trying to find out the underlying factors regulating their distribution. The results showed that there were 773 old trees belonging to 25 species and 2 notable trees from 1 species in Changchun. Pyrus ussuriensis was the dominant species, followed by Salix matsudana and Ulmus pumila. The urban area, population density, greening rate, and construction history did not influence the species and quantity of ONTs, while the types of land use and tree protection planning were important factors affecting the richness, diversity, and growth conditions of trees. To explore the potential reasons for their existence, the ONTs’ data in Changchun was compared with two nearby cities—Harbin and Shenyang. The comparison indicated that the geographical location and climatic conditions also controlled the distribution of ONTs. The number and dimensions of trees were driven by the history and development process of the city. Our findings suggested that preserving favorable living environments and maintaining a low intensity of human disturbance are critical factors for the survival of ONTs in cities.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Spatial Distribution and Driving Factors of Old and Notable Trees in a Fast-Developing City, Northeast China

et al. 2022

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“…The restoration of mixed stands should be the primary goal toward sustainable forest management (indicator 15.2 of Agenda 2030) and protection of biodiversity in Mediterranean mountains (indicator 15.4). Mixed stands and old‐growth forests are also more resistant and resilient to changing climate conditions, especially when characterized by a long forest continuity (Colangelo et al, 2021; Mausolf et al, 2018). This case study could be representative of other protected areas of southern Italy (Sila and Aspromonte National Parks), where particular care has been given to protect and restore mixed forests toward old‐growth status.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Historical ecology identifies long‐term rewilding strategy for conservingMediterranean mountain forests in southItaly

Palli

Mensing

Schoolman

et al. 2022

Ecological Applications

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In the context of global decline in old-growth forest, historical ecology is a valuable tool to derive insights into vegetation legacies and dynamics and develop new conservation and restoration strategies. In this cross-disciplinary study, we integrate palynology (Lago del Pesce record), history, dendrochronology, and historical and contemporary land cover maps to assess drivers of vegetation change over the last millennium in a Mediterranean mountain forest (Pollino National Park, southern Italy) and discuss implications in conservation ecology. The study site hosts a remnant beech-fir (Fagus sylvatica-Abies alba) mixed forest, a priority habitat for biodiversity conservation in Europe. In the 10th century, the pollen record showed an open environment that was quickly colonized by silver fir when sociopolitical instabilities reduced anthropogenic pressures in mountain forests. The highest forest cover and biomass was reached between the 14th and the 17th centuries following land abandonment due to recurring plague pandemics. This

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“…In addition, trees experience physiological reprogram with increasing age, including decreased growth rates and shifted carbon distribution pattern ( Rossi et al, 2008 ). Younger trees tend to be more sensitive to climate warming, but older trees show remarkable resistance to warming ( Colangelo et al, 2021 ). In this study, 10-year-old young A. faxoniana seedlings were used.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Low-Altitude Boundary of Abies faxoniana Is More Susceptible to Long-Term Open-Top Chamber Warming in the Eastern Tibetan Plateau

2021

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With global climate change, for evaluating warming effect on subalpine forest distribution, the substantial effects of long-term warming on tree growth and soil nutrients need to be explored. In this study, we focused on different responses in the boundaries of trees and soils to warming. Using the open-top chamber (OTC), a 10-year artificial warming experiment was conducted to evaluate the impacts of warming on Abies faxoniana at three different altitudes. We determined metabolites and nutrient concentrations in needles of A. faxoniana and characterized the soil chemistries. Many kinds of sugars, amino acids, and organic acids showed higher contents at high altitude (3,500 m) compared with low altitude (2,600 m), which could have been due to the temperature differences. Warming significantly decreased needle sugar and amino acid concentrations at high altitude but increased them at low altitude. These results indicated contrasting physiological and metabolic responses of A. faxoniana to long-term warming at different altitudes. Furthermore, we found that OTC warming significantly increased the concentrations of soil extractable sodium, aluminum (Al), and manganese (Mn), while decreased potassium (K) and phosphorus (P) concentrations and pH values at low altitude rather than at middle (3,000 m) or high altitude. The soil carbon and nitrogen contents were increased only at the middle altitude. In A. faxoniana at low altitudes, more mineral nutrients iron, K, and P were demand, and a mass of Al, Mn, and zinc was accumulated under warming. Soil P limitation and heavy metals accumulation are disadvantageous for trees at low altitudes with warming. Therefore, compared with high altitudes, A. faxoniana growing at low boundary in alpine regions is expected to be more susceptible to warming.

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Mediterranean old-growth forests exhibit resistance to climate warming

Cited by 39 publications

References 75 publications

Spatial Distribution and Driving Factors of Old and Notable Trees in a Fast-Developing City, Northeast China

Spatial Distribution and Driving Factors of Old and Notable Trees in a Fast-Developing City, Northeast China

Historical ecology identifies long‐term rewilding strategy for conservingMediterranean mountain forests in southItaly

Low-Altitude Boundary of Abies faxoniana Is More Susceptible to Long-Term Open-Top Chamber Warming in the Eastern Tibetan Plateau

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