Effect of Climate Change on the Growth of Endangered Scree Forests in Krkonoše National Park (Czech Republic)

Scree forests with large numbers of protected plants and wildlife are seriously threatened by climate change due to more frequent drought episodes, which cause challenges for very stony, shallow soils. The effect environmental factors on the radial growth five tree species—European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.), sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus European ash (Fraxinus excelsior mountain elm (Ulmus glabra Huds.)—was studied in mixed stands (105–157 years) western Krkonoše Mountains (Czech Republic) concerning change. These communities fir beechwoods (association Aceri-Fagetum sylvaticae Luzulo-Abietetum albae) ranker soils at altitude 590–700 m a.s.l. Production, structure, biodiversity were evaluated seven permanent research plots relationships (150 cores) climatic parameters (precipitation, temperature, extreme conditions) air pollution (SO2, NOX, ozone exposure). stand volume reached 557–814 m3 ha−1 high production potential ash. growing relatively favorable habitat conditions (deeper soil profile less skeletal soils) has increased 16.6%–46.1% last 20 years. By contrast, conditions, decreased 12.5%–14.6%. However, variability (12.7%–29.5%) all species, as did occurrence negative pointer years (extremely low growth) two decades. most sensitive species compared resilience Spectral analysis recorded largest cyclical fluctuations (especially 12-year solar cycle) spruce, while not show any significant cycle processes. limiting droughts temperatures vegetation period late frosts beech. According degree individual thus respond appropriately advancing change, especially an increase mean temperature (by 2.1 °C), unevenness precipitation, events 60