Production potential and structural variability of pine stands in the Czech Republic: Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) vs. introduced pines - case study and problem review

Abstract

Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) is one of the most important tree species in Eurasia. During the past centuries, it has been extensively introduced into artificial monocultures, but is currently experiencing a number of problems related to climate change and extreme droughts. There is a large-scale disintegration of its stands and, in addition to its replacement by other native trees, it is possible to use a wide range of introduced species of the same genus. The aim of the investigation was to compare production parameters, structure and diversity of pine stands at the age of 35 years in school Arboretum of Faculty of Forestry and Wood Science in Central Bohemia (320 m a.s.l., medium rich habitats, water deficit site). Seven species of pine were compared: ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Douglas ex C. Hawson), Jeffrey pine (Pinus jeffreyi Balf.), black pine (Pinus nigra J.F.Arnold), eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.), Lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Douglas), Macedonian pine (Pinus peuce Griseb.) and the only native Scots pine. The results showed that significantly (P < 0.001) highest height, diameter at breast height and mean stem volume were achieved in Pinus ponderosa and P. strobus stands, while these parameters were lowest in P. peuce and P. nigra. In contrast, the lowest stand volume was calculated for P. strobus (112 m3·ha–1) due to the lower stand density, while the highest production was again in P. ponderosa (430 m3·ha–1). In terms of structural variability, the highest diversity was found in P. jeffreyi and P. peuce. The introduced pine species, especially P. ponderosa, could therefore play an important role in terms of production and economic potential and even replace native P. sylvestris on suitable sites.

A major tool for afforestation of semi-arid and anthropogenic steppe areas in Turkey: Pinus nigra J.F. Arnold subsp. pallasiana (Lamb.) Holmboe

“…Arnold, Pinus strobus L., Pinus contorta Douglas, Pinus peuce Griseb. and as native species: Pinus sylvestris L.) at the age of 35 years in Central Bohemia (320 m a.s.l., medium rich habitats, water deficit site) (Podrázský et al 2020). As a matter of fact, P. nigra has already been suggested as an alternative species for unfavourable soil conditions particularly against the changing climate conditions in Central Europe (Thurm et al 2018).…”

Pinus contorta Douglas ex Loudon and climate change: A literature review of opportunities, challenges, and risks in European forests

“…In this study comparing several pine species, the lower production potential was observed in Pinus strobus L. and Pinus peuce Griseb. (112-169 m 3 •ha −1 ), while higher production was found in other four pine species with a maximum in Pinus ponderosa (430 m 3 •ha −1 ;Podrázský et al 2020). In 48-year-old stands on coal reclamation sites, a stock of 124 m 3 •ha −1 was documented, with an average stock of 165 m 3 •ha −1 for the studied introduced tree species (Vacek et al 2021).…”

“…Average annual production is 6-10 m 3 •ha −1 (maximum 14 m 3 •ha −1 •yr -1 ), while up to 18 m 3 •ha −1 •yr -1 is common in Ireland (Savill 2016). Research from the Czech Republic reported an overall average increment rate of 3-6 m 3 •ha −1 •yr −1 (Podrázský et al 2020;Vacek et al 2021). In terms of climate change, cooler regions are experiencing higher increments due to increasing temperatures (McLane et al 2011).…”

“…In general, the consequences of climate change are negative for Pinus contorta stands growing in lowland areas, where warmer temperatures and extreme droughts lead to a decline in growth (McLane et al 2011). For these reasons, the species such as Robinia pseudoacacia (Ábri et al 2021;Ábri, Rédei 2022), Paulownia (Pástor et al 2022), Pinus nigra (Ayan et al 2021) or Pinus ponderosa (Podrázský et al 2020;Zhang et al 2020) deserve increased attention in forestry research.…”

Global guidelines for the sustainable use of non-native trees to prevent tree invasions and mitigate their negative impacts

“…With global change, the link between climate and local adaptation may be disrupted, leading to local provenances of native tree species no longer providing the required ecosystem services (Alfaro et al 2014;Podrázský et al 2020). Different provenances of tree species with wide natural distribution ranges are adapted to different conditions.…”