Dendroclimatic Response Variability of Quercus species in the Romanian Intensive Forest Monitoring Network

Abstract

Oaks are among the most important broad-leaved species in Romanian forests from both an economic and socio-ecological point of view. A significant decline of these species has been observed, which was first evident in various studies and investigations followed by the more results of interdisciplinary research performed in intensive monitoring plots (level II) showing that the decline is climate induced. Thus, it is important to understand the climate change conditions and factors that influence Quercus spp. Typical dendroclimatological investigations were conducted on an intensive forest monitoring network based on four oak species (Q. robur, Q. petraea, Q.cerris, and Q. frainetto) in 7 permanent plots placed in southern Romania. Three patterns of climate-growth relationships were identified and discerned in accordance with the Quercus species. All oak species were found to have a positive correlation with the level of precipitation. In addition, the intensity and level of significance of correlation coefficients differ from one species to another and from one region to another.