Abstract:
Objective To understand the growth patterns of Larix principis-rupprechtii across different precipitation gradients, as well as its sensitivity and adaptability to climatic shifts, we aimed to provide important insights for the management and conservation of Larix principis-rupprechtii plantations under future climate change scenarios.
Method Samples were collected along the precipitation gradient from north to south in the Liupan Mountains and processed with dendrochronological methods. Pearson correlation and moving correlation analyses were conducted to study the relationships and long-term dynamics between radial growth and climate factors across different precipitation gradients.
Result The response of Larix principis-rupprechtii to climatic factors varied significantly across precipitation gradients. In the low precipitation region of Diediegou (DDG), tree growth exhibited a significant negative correlation with the temperature of the previous summer (p< 0.05). In contrast, in medium-to-high precipitation regions of Shuigou (SG) and Houmachang (HMC), tree growth exhibited lower sensitivity to temperature fluctuations. However, low spring temperatures could inhibit the growth of Larix principis-rupprechtii.
Conclusion In low precipitation region, the dual constraints of reduced precipitation and increased temperature on tree growth are gradually becoming prominent. In medium-to-high precipitation regions, the shading effect caused by increased precipitation during the growing season shifts from promoting to inhibiting tree growth. As climate warming continues, rising temperatures may further aggravate drought and inhibit tree growth in low precipitation region, while accelerating tree growth in high precipitation region.