Importance and potential of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in 21^st century

Abstract

We are currently witnessing significant global changes in climate conditions. We cannot change the natural conditions, but with regard to sustainable landscape management, we can increase our knowledge of tree species and adapt forest management to them. Surprisingly, one of the most affected tree species in Central Europe today is Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.). The following literature review summarizes over 200 studies from 1952–2022 regarding Scots pine across its entire range while addressing various topics in the ecology and management of this taxon. It is a tree species with a large natural range, nearly covering the entire Eurasian area. In the Czech Republic, it is the second most important tree species in terms of industrial wood production. Scots pine is characterized not only by a significant genetic variability of its populations but also by its wide ecological plasticity. Typically, it grows on sandy soils, poor habitats, and stony scree–but also in peat bogs. The wide habitat valence justifies the economic significance of this species, both in terms of its high production potential (mean annual increment of up to 10.8 m3 ha-1 yr-1) but also its wide range of use. However, in the light of climate variations, the practices of Scots pine silviculture are also gradually transforming from the traditional reforestation by clear-cutting to a more natural system–shelterwood felling. In view of climate change, its range of distribution is changing, as with other species, but Scots pine remains a very resistant tree species, depending on the habitat.

Forest carbon stock development following extreme drought-induced dieback of coniferous stands in Central Europe: a CBM-CFS3 model application

“…Both species demonstrate notable resilience to drought, adaptability and production potential in the Central-European conditions [ 34 , 35 ]. As for Scots pine, despite some reported challenges linked to climate warming and nutrition [ 36 ], this species is expected to retain its current share as it often dominates on sandy soils and locations that would not be suitable for other tree species [ 37 ].…”

Potential of mixed Picea abies (L.) Karst. and Pinus sylvestris L. forests in lowland areas of Central Bohemia

“…Drought, in particular, has thus emerged as a determinant of radial growth and vigor of Scots pine and Norway spruce under conditions of advancing climate change (Augustaitis et al 2007;Bogino et al 2009;Putalová et al 2019;Brichta et al 2023). Moreover, trees damaged by browsing and bark stripping, which is very common in spruce compared to pine, suffer more from lack of precipitation and reduced growth (Cukor et al 2019a, b;.…”

Quo vadis Scots pine forestry in northern Germany: How do silvicultural management and climate change determine an uncertain future?

“…Furthermore, it has to be argued, whether all the current vitality problems resulting from pine's biology are considered reasonably in the silvicultural guidelines (Bose et al 2020;Rehschuh and Rühr 2021;Haberstroh et al 2022) and, when weighed, justify an increase cross-regionally. After all, economic and yield aspects play a central role in the discussion about the future cultivation suitability of coniferous tree species such as pine (Leuschner et al 2022;Brichta et al 2023). We also observed that the cultivation recommendation for pine is based on expert knowledge to this day and has not changed over time (Pfeil 1856;Wagenknecht 1955).…”

“…Pure pine stands are particularly at risk in times of climate change which is mainly caused by drought, heat, insects, windthrow and fire (Hille 2006;Brandl et al 2020;Brichta et al 2023).…”

“…Besides being the native tree species with the largest site amplitude, thirdmost specialized arthropods are linked to Scots pine, thus underlining its ecological importance (Brändle and Brandl 2001). Pine also meets yield and economic requirements making it one of the most relevant taxon in silviculture under climate change (Leuschner et al 2022;Brichta et al 2023). However, the proportion of pine is decreasing currently, especially in young age classes, because it shows a relatively lower growth potential (Beinhofer and Knoke 2010;BMEL 2016, p. 11), low shade-tolerance in the face of currently practiced continuous cover forestry (Wagner and Huth 2010), as well as comparatively long rotations (Mason and Alía 2000;Fischer and Mölder 2017).…”