Moisture, Not Temperature, in the Pre-Monsoon Influences Pinus wallichiana Growth along the Altitudinal and Aspect Gradients in the Lower Himalayas of Central Nepal

Changing climate can strongly affect tree growth and forest productivity. The dendrochronological approach to assessing the impact of change on is possible through climate–growth correlation analysis. This study uses an individual tree-based model Pinus wallichiana (P. wallichiana) radial response across physiographic gradients in lower distributional range Nepal. sampled six sites Makwanpur district central Nepal that varied elevation aspect, obtaining 180 tree-ring series. Climate data series were obtained from Research Unit (CRU 4.0). pair was used assess P. site-level variables such as environmental stress. also determined long-term trends aspect gradients. Trees at with higher northeast (NEA) more responsive winter spring precipitation, whereas trees northwest (NWA) precipitation. Basal area increment (BAI) analysis showed variation stress, suggesting sensitivity ecosystems changing will vary limit due differences local conditions.