We investigated soluble carbohydrate transport in trees that differed in their phloem loading strategies in order to better understand the transport of photosynthetic products into the roots and the rhizosphere as this knowledge is needed to better understand the respiratory processes in the rhizosphere. We compared beech, which is suggested to use mainly passive loading of transport sugars alo...

In the context of climate change, it remains unclear whether mixed-species forests will help mitigate impacts future droughts and, if so, through which processes. As European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) is one major species, crucial to evaluate its response drought when mixed with species contrasted functional traits and in climatic conditions, particularly at limit range. This study aimed (i) c...

Measurements of sap flow, vapour fluxes, throughfall and soil water content were conducted for 19 months in a young beech stand growing at low elevation, in the Hesse forest. This experiment is part of the Euroflux network, covering 15 representative European forests. Study of the radial variation of sap flow within tree trunks, showed a general pattern of sap flux density in relation to the de...

Evidence is increasing that soil animal food webs are fueled by root-derived carbon (C) and also by root-derived nitrogen (N). Functioning as link between the above- and belowground system, trees and their species identity are important drivers structuring soil animal communities. A pulse labeling experiment using 15N and 13C was conducted by exposing beech (Fagus sylvatica) and ash (Fraxinus e...

Nitrogen oxides emission from two beech forests subjected to different nitrogen loads B. Kitzler, S. Zechmeister-Boltenstern, C. Holtermann, U. Skiba, and K. Butterbach-Bahl Federal Research and Training Centre for Forests, Natural Hazards and Landscape (BFW), Seckendorff-Gudent-Weg 8, Vienna, Austria Sellenyg. 2–4/52, Vienna, Austria Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, Bush Estate, Penicuik, Mid...

Here we synthesize key findings from a series of experiments to gain new insight on inter-plant competition between juvenile beech (Fagus sylvatica) and spruce (Picea abies) under the influence of increased O(3) and CO(2) concentrations. Competitiveness of plants was quantified and mechanistically interpreted as space-related resource investments and gains. Stable isotopes were addressed as tem...

Habitat fragmentation poses a serious threat to plants through genetic changes associated with increased isolation and reduced population size. However, the longevity of trees, combined with effective seed or pollen dispersal, can enhance their resistance to these effects. The European beech (Fagus sylvatica) dominates forest over large regions of Europe. We demonstrate that habitat fragmentati...