Species- and elevation-dependent productivity changes in East Asian temperate forests

Abstract

The velocity and impact of climate change on forest appear to be site, environment, and tree speciesspecific. The primary objective of this research is to assess the changes in productivity of five major temperate tree species (Pinus densiflora, PD; Larix kaempferi, LK; Pinus koraiensis, PK; Quercus variabilis, QV; and Quercus mongolica, QM) in South Korea using terrestrial inventory and satellite remote sensing data. The area covered by each tree species was further categorized into either lowland forest (LLF) or high mountain forest (HMF) and investigated. We used the repeated Korean national forest inventory (NFI) data to calculate a stand-level annual increment (SAI). We then compared the SAI, a ground-based productivity measure, to MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) net primary productivity as a measure of productivity based on satellite imagery. In addition, the growth index of each increment core, which eliminated the effect of tree age on radial growth, was derived as an indicator of the variation in primary productivity by tree species over the past four decades. Based on our result from NFI plots and increment core data sets, the productivity of PD, QV, and QM in LLF was relatively higher than those in HMF, while LK and PK in HMF were more productive than lowland ones. Our analysis of the increment core data revealed a contrasting pattern of long-term productivity changes between coniferous and oak tree species. While the productivity of oak tree species tended to increase after the 1990s, the productivity in coniferous forests tended to decrease. These differences across forest types and their altitudinal classes are also noticeable from the MODIS product. The results of our study can be used to develop climate-smart forest management strategies to ensure that the forests continue to be resilient and continue to provide a wide range of ecosystem services in the Eastern Asian region.

Different patterns of belowground fungal diversity along altitudinal gradients with respect to microhabitat and guild types

“…Although the alpha diversity of the non-ECM group decreased at high altitudes in the root microhabitat, there was no signi cant change in soil. Decreased growth and photosynthetic productivity of P. densi ora has been reported at high altitudes [76]. The lowered productivity of host trees might have affected the richness and diversity of associated fungi, i.e., ECM and root-associated non-ECM groups [77].…”

“…Although the alpha diversity of the non‐ECM group decreased at high altitudes in the root microhabitat, there was no significant change in soil. The lowered productivity of host trees might have affected the richness and diversity of associated fungi, i.e., ECM and root‐associated non‐ECM groups (Hiiesalu et al ., 2017), as decreased growth and photosynthetic productivity of P. densiflora has been reported at high altitudes (Kim et al ., 2020). The non‐significant relationship between altitude and alpha diversity of soil‐inhabiting fungi may suggest that the decomposition of organic matter and/or productivity of understory vegetation is less affected by altitude (Guo et al ., 2013).…”

Application of integrated Korean forest growth dynamics model to meet NDC target by considering forest management scenarios and budget

“…This is important in understanding how the forest ecosystem is affected by climate change and how social, environmental, and economic factors can be changed by related adaptive policy instruments [ 98 , 99 ]. The quantified results from the KO-G-Dynamic model can be used by decision makers to promote future policy assessments and by forest landowners who face climate change [ 100 ]. Candidate policies can be tested prior to forest activities and plans can be developed to help maximize carbon sequestration, as well as income [ 101 ].…”