Diameter growth of European beech on carbonate: a regional versus forest type perspective

Abstract We studied the impacts of site, stand and tree variables on diameter growth beech trees ( Fagus sylvatica L.) carbonate bedrock examined to what extent regional model can be used at forest type level. Based 12,193 permanent sampling plots (500 m 2 each) with 94,770 trees, we first developed a linear mixed-effect periodic increment level (Dinaric region, Slovenia, 1.7 thousand km ). Subsequently, parametrized for five types within region (submontane, thermophilous, montane, upper montane subalpine) homogeneity-of-slopes test whether covariates have different effects in types. The suggested positive impact (nonlinear), diversity, mean diurnal temperature range annual negative basal area, proportion beech, inclination, rockiness amount precipitation. Stand area contributed > 50% total explained variability, followed by (44%), topographic (3%) climatic (< 2%). was well transferable types; only variable significantly effect diameter. However, models differed respect slopes significance several predictors, wherein coefficients some predictors were even opposite sign. Not all from included if predictor selection parameterization performed independently each type. Our study suggests that characteristics detected only, while analyses reveal significant differences response tree, environmental variables.