Mountain Pine (Pinus uncinata) Growth in Andorra: A First Empirical Evaluation
Assigned Session: FS 3.206: The Future of Mountain Forests
Abstract ID: 3.12578 | Accepted as Poster | Requested as: Talk | TBA | TBA
Marta Domènech (1)
Bernat, Claramunt (2); Gerard, Grande (1); Manel, Niell (1)
(1) Andorra Research and Innovation, Av. Rocafort, 21-23 Ed. Molí, AD600 Sant Julià de Lòria, AD
(2) Centre de Recerca Ecològica i Aplicacions Forestal de Catalunya, Edifici C Facultad de ciencias y biociencias, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Espanya
Abstract
For the first time, the growth of the mountain pine (Pinus uncinata) in Andorra, has been evaluated. Mountain pine forests are the most representative forest habitat in the country (49% of the total forested area), playing a crucial role in soil protection, snowpack retention, and serving as a significant component of the national carbon sink. For this study, digital dendrometers were installed on 24 trees at different locations and exposures, covering the entire altitudinal gradient of the Ordino Valley (Andorra). The dendrometers and temperature sensors were placed at 1,5 meters and recorded hourly growth data from 2017 to 2023. These data provide the first empirical insights into forest growth in Andorra. The average annual radial growth of black pine was 3,1 mm/year, with a minimum of 0.42 mm/year and a maximum of 6,7 mm/year. Tree growth was analyzed in relation to key environmental variables, including temperature, precipitation, altitude, and exposure and Stand Spacing Index. A significant positive effect of precipitation and south-facing exposure was detected. Compared to other studies, the observed growth rates are slightly higher than expected, which could indicate the impact of global warming on tree recruitment at higher elevations and, particularly, an increase in atmospheric carbon sequestration in the upper forest boundary.
N/A | ||||||||
|