Radial Growth–Climate Relationship Varies with Spatial Distribution of <i>Schima superba</i> Stands in Southeast China’s Subtropical Forests

Abstract

To understand the impact of climate change on the tree radial growth in Southeast China’s subtropical evergreen broadleaved forest, comparative research on the radial growth–climate associations of Schima superba was conducted. This dominant evergreen broadleaved tree species was examined at both its southern and northern distribution margins through dendroclimatology. The results showed that the radial growth of S. superba stands at a high elevation in the southern margin and stands in the northern margin were positively correlated with springtime temperatures, mostly in April (e.g., mean temperature: r = 0.630, p r = 0.335, p S. superba stands in the southern margin, including high-elevation stands (e.g., the mean temperature in previous and current September: r = −0.437 and −0.383, p r = −0.577 and −0.348, p S. superba, and the response of radial growth to temperature had obvious spatial differences. The findings indicate that the radial growth of S. superba stands in warm growth environments will be negatively impacted by future climate warming. On the contrary, the radial growth of S. superba stands growing in relatively cold growth environments may benefit from warmer spring. The results enhance the understanding of tree growth responses to climate change in the subtropical forests of China.

Keywords

• dendroclimatology
• radial growth
• tree ring
• climate change
• <i>Schima superba</i>
• subtropical forest