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Dryad

Latitudinal gradient of Norway spruce log decomposition in Europe and its impact on seedling regeneration

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Dec 31, 2024 version files 78.16 KB

Abstract

Norway spruce (Picea abies) is a dominant tree species across Eurasia. Understanding its regeneration dynamics is crucial for predicting forest sustainability under climate change. In certain types of Norway spruce forests, regenerates is more successful on decaying logs and stumps than on the forest floor. The type of wood decay, indicative of fungal decay capabilities, markedly influences spruce regeneration, demography, and growth. As fungal distribution and wood decay types are affected by macroclimate, the success of spruce seedling regeneration is expected to vary continentally and may be further influenced by climate change. The present study examined decay type frequencies and seedling densities on decaying Norway spruce logs, assessing effects on regeneration success across 15 sites in 6 European countries along a latitudinal gradient. White rot was dominating in central Europe compared with southern and northern Europe. Spruce seedling densities were positively correlated with white rot in heartwood, particularly influenced by high precipitation seasonality in central Europe. These findings suggest that spruce seedling regeneration on decaying logs may be indirectly affected by climate through its influence on fungal-mediated wood decomposition. Despite predictions of northward shifts in Norway spruce distribution due to climate change, slower regeneration rates on brown rot logs may limit northern expansion, potentially leading to a contraction of the species’ range.