Scientific Reports of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine

Radial tree growth in Scots pine stands of Volyn Polissia

Oleksandr Lesnik, Maksym Fesiuk, Oleksandr Sizhuk
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Abstract

This study examines the patterns of radial growth in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) stands within the Volyn Polissia region, with particular reference to the influence of climatic variables. The research aimed to characterise the seasonal structure of climatic sensitivity in Scots pine radial growth and to identify the key climatic factors that drive the interannual variability of tree-ring width. The analysis was based on tree-ring width series obtained from nine temporary sample plots. To remove age-related growth trends, detrending was applied, converting raw measurements into ring-width indices. The relationships between radial growth dynamics and climatic parameters were evaluated through correlation analysis using monthly mean air temperature and total precipitation for both the current and preceding years. The results indicate that the radial growth of Scots pine is most sensitive to temperature conditions during the winter-to-early-spring period of the current year, particularly in February and March. Significant climatic lag effects were also identified: precipitation levels in July and August of the previous year positively influence growth in the following year. The analysis confirmed the substantial impact of these climatic factors on interannual growth variability. The absence of significant spatial random effects suggests a coherent common climate signal across the study area. These findings extend current understanding of the seasonal climatic sensitivity of pine stands in Volyn Polissia and can be utilised to assess the resilience of forest ecosystems and to inform adaptive forest management strategies in the face of contemporary climate change

Keywords

Pinus sylvestris L., radial growth dynamics, ring-width indices, climatic factors, dendrochronology

Suggested citation
Lesnik, O., Fesiuk, M., & Sizhuk, O. (2026). Radial tree growth in Scots pine stands of Volyn Polissia. Scientific Reports of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, 22(2),20-35. https://doi.org/10.31548/dopovidi/2.2026.20
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