Climatically induced light rings of European larch (Larix decidua Mill.) in Lithuania

Abstract

The spatiotemporal analysis of European larch light rings in Lithuania was investigated to discover the spatial variability of light-ring formation and determine the climatic factors that trigger their formation. For this purpose, a case study in 24 research plots of larch was conducted. European larch light rings in Lithuania are associated with narrower rings than their adjacent rings and a decreased latewood proportion in the tree ring. The study has shown that cold winters do not have a significant negative influence on radial growth of larch in Lithuania. Long-lasting droughts in spring and summer and excessive wet periods in summer, especially in August, are the main climatic drivers inducing the light rings of larch. However, not all light rings could be explained with climatic extremes, suggesting that there are also non-climatic triggers of the light rings in larch.