Phenotypic variability of Picea abies characteristics in regard with microstationary ecological conditions
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59463/es38f068Keywords:
diversity; environment; forest; spruce; variabilityAbstract
Spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst) is one of the most significant coniferous tree species in Romania, covering around 24% of the country’s total forested area. It plays an important ecological and economic role, being widely used in the timber industry and contributing to biodiversity and climate regulation in mountainous regions. The study conducted in UP II Bistra, managed by the Valea Arieșului Forest District, aimed to assess the ecological response of Norway spruce (P. abies) under varying microstationary conditions across five sample plots, each measuring 500 m². The research focused on the influence of ecological factors such as slope exposition and altitude on growth performance and biomass accumulation. Results revealed that trees located on south-west (S-W) facing slopes, at altitudes between 800–1400 m, showed significantly higher biomass values compared to those on north-east (N-E) exposures, despite similar altitude ranges. Among the factors analyzed, slope exposition was identified as the primary driver of phenotypic variability and forest ecosystem functioning at the landscape level. Given that all studied stands were pure and even-aged, the observed growth differences are likely linked to specific local habitat conditions. The superior growth performance observed on south-western slopes is largely due to the spruce’s natural preference for semi-shaded environments, where the balance of sunlight and moisture creates optimal conditions for early development and root establishment. Furthermore, the research supports the conservation of biodiversity in the region by highlighting how varying environmental conditions and forest management practices affect species diversity and ecosystem stability.
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