Growth dynamic and climate signals on abandoned plantation of Pinus elliottii in Southern Brazil: A dendrochronological contribution

Abstract

Pinus plantation forestry in South America has expanded quickly and assumed a significant portion of land use, including in urban arborization. This invasive alien genus changes the plant community, resulting in a loss of biodiversity, and environmental issues that require public policy actions. Here, we applied dendrochronology to assess ecological growth dynamics and micro and macro scale climate effects on an abandoned Pinus elliottii trees in urban forest fragments, and provide insights into the management for public policies. We constructed a robust 41-year (1978 – 2019) chronology that showed r = 0.63, rbar = 0.47, and EPS = 0.92 with an average annual growth rate of 7.10 mm/year. Modeling tree growth of diameter, height and volume of P. elliottii based on tree-ring analysis, we assessed the average diameter without bark (42.37 cm) and height (19 m). The growth rates in the early years evidence pioneer behavior, representing rapid sexual maturity. The volume growth model indicates an average individual volume of 1.23 m³ , with maximum productivity at 16 years when the current annual volume increment peaks. This age corresponds to a diameter of 32 cm, which would be an appropriate minimum logging diameter to wood destined for a sawmill. Volumetric increment rates highlight the potential trade-in forestry sector and application in public policies that aim to control and manage P. elliotti. We evidence significant climatic signals, but with moderate influence on the variability of growth. For the local climatic variables, there was a positive influence of warm and humid summer and late spring, during the previous and current growth seasons. Furthermore, considering global climatic factors, there was only a positive influence of the Annual Southern Oscillation Index for June, representing a positive correlation for dry and cold early winter, influenced by La Niña events. This work provides an understanding of the biological growth of P. elliotti in urban forest fragments and opens a perspective to assist public policies in managing the invasion of Pinus spp. linked to the forest trade.