CLIMATE SENSITIVITY OF NORWAY SPRUCE GROWTH DYNAMIC IN THE NATIONAL PARK NORTHERN VELEBIT, CROATIA
Anja Žmegač 1,2 , Domagoj Trlin 1, Stjepan Mikac 1 , Ryszard J. Kaczka 3, Karolina Janecka 3,4
1 – University of Zagreb, Faculty of Forestry, Department of Forest Ecology and Silviculture, Svetošimunska 23, 10002 Zagreb

2- Dendroecology Laboratory, University of Zagreb, Faculty of Forestry, Department of Forest Ecology and Silviculture, Svetošimunska 23, 10002 Zagreb
2 – University of Silesia, ul. Będzińska 60, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland
3 – University of Greifswald, Domstraße 11, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
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Dinaric Alps constitute the southeast European distribution border of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.). On Velebit mountain, Norway spruce elevation range goes from 1200 m up to 1600 m where it grows without any competition on ridges and rocky slopes, in colder and more humid sinkholes, valleys and frozen areas. Knowing the effect of climate on the tree growth variability is of crucial importance for the development of long-term management and protection strategies, especially in the context of species adaptation to climate change. Air temperature and precipitation are key factors that impact the growth of trees especially in extreme conditions such as mountain areas.
Previous research have shown that radial growth of Norway spruce on northern expositions and higher elevation is positively influenced by air temperature and is mostly limited by low temperatures during the vegetation period. Recent increase in air temperature as a result of climate change stimulates tree growth in colder sites and higher elevation. In this research we show the impact of climatic factors on the growth dynamic of spruce in the upper vegetation border (populations over 1500 m.a.s.l.) in the National Park Northern Velebit using dendrochronological methods.
Key words: climate change, Norway spruce, dendrochronology, dendroclimatology

GROWTH DYNAMIC OF BLACK PINE STANDS IN THE NATIONAL PARK NORTHERN VELEBIT

Stjepan Mikac1, Domagoj Trlin1, Anja Žmegač1,2 , Vinko Paulić1, Darijan Prugovečki1
1 –Sveučilište u Zagrebu, Šumarski fakultet, Zavod za ekologiju i uzgajanje šuma, Svetošimunska 23, 10002 Zagreb

2- Laboratorij za Dendroekologiju, Šumarski fakultet, Sveučilište u Zagrebu, Šumarski fakultet, Zavod za ekologiju i uzgajanje šuma, Svetošimunska 23, 10002 Zagreb
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In this work we present results obtained with dendrochronological and dendroecological research in autochthonous Black pine (Pinus nigra) stands in National Park Northern Velebit: the influence of climatic factors on the development and dynamic of Black pine stand, the possibility of implementation of new climate reconstruction methods and the analysis of occurrence and frequency of natural fires. The research was conducted on the Sub-Mediterranean slopes of Borovi vrh site. 80 trees were sampled. Results indicate the presence of a strong climatic signal linked to air temperature, sunlight and volcanic eruptions measured during instrumental periods as well as a reconstruction of climate conditions for the NP Northern Velebit from the 1800s to present. Obtained results offer a detailed insight into the past and the natural forest dynamic in the National Park Northern Velebit.