Investigation of the health status of Picea abies and Pinus mugo tree species in the semi-natural forest stands of the Wechsel Mountains
Abstract
Several climatic models predict a significant rise in temperature in mountainous regions, which, alongside other factors, may influence the distribution of montane species and the composition of local communities. Observed or predicted thermophilization in mountainous areas may accelerate the upward movement of forest-forming tree species in the Alps. In our research, we studied the changes of the health status of dominant coniferous species in the montane and subalpine zones of the Wechsel Mountains, along an elevation transect. Field measurements were performed using an ArborSonic FAKOPP 3D acoustic tomograph and an ArborElectro impedance tomograph, which are able to detect the extent and exact location of rotten parts, as well as the extent and location of fungal infestation, without destruction. For both Picea abies and Pinus mugo, we found significant but partly different correlations between the degree of rot and the altitude. In the spruce belt, the trend line fitted to the fungal infestation values was bell-shaped. Spruce proved to be significantly more rotten in the lower elevation area of its distribution. Consequently, a narrowing of the area of the spruce zone is likely to take place in the study area. From a conservational aspect, this is not favourable, as Picea abies is a dominant, stand-forming tree species, therefore the narrowing of the complete spruce habitat may have negative consequences for several species associated with the habitat, especially for those characterized by a lower ecological adaptability.
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