Climate warming-induced replacement of mesic beech by thermophilic oak forests will reduce the carbon storage potential in aboveground biomass and soil

Abstract Key message Climate-warming related replacement of beech by oak forests in the course natural forest succession or silvicultural decisions may considerably reduce ecosystem carbon storage central European woodlands. Context Climate warming change (C) biomass and soil through future shifts tree species composition. With a projected 2–3 K over twenty-first century, adaptation measures might lead to thermophilic drought- heat-affected regions south-eastern Europe, but consequences for C this shift are not clear. Aims To quantify with from ( Fagus sylvatica ) Quercus petraea, Q. frainetto, cerris ), we measured aboveground (AGC) pools (SOC). Methods AGC SOC stocks − 100 cm depth were calculated inventory volume-related content data beech, mixed beech-oak three transects ecotone western Romania, where occurs at its heat- drought-induced distribution limit. Results From cooler, more humid warmer, xeric forests, which 1–2 decreased about 22% (40 Mg ha −1 20% (17 respectively. The likely main drivers indirect temperature effects acting management case AGC, direct SOC. Conclusion If Central Europe replaced future, will losses ~ 50–60 , thus reducing substantially.