Coniferous Forests (Scots and Maritime Pine): Carbon and Water Fluxes, Balances, Ecological and Ecophysiological Determinants

Abstract

This chapter represents a synoptic synthesis of the results from the five EUROFLUX sites considered representative of the Pinus genus. Data from the EUROFLUX database for each pine site in 1997 and (partially) 1998 have been compiled and examined in order to reveal similarities and differences across the pine transect. Short-term climatic conditions (temperature, precipitation, radiation) are considered and presented as potentially important factors determining the functional responses of the individual ecosystems, which are presented as the fluxes of carbon, water, and energy. It should be remembered that the flux results may vary also in relation to other important site-to-site differences such as speciation, age, soil properties, and forest management. “Pinus is a remarkable genus with a very large distribution range in the northern hemisphere. Where they occur, pines usually form the dominant vegetation cover and are extremely important components of the ecosystems. They also provide a wide range of products for human use. Pines are now widely grown in commercial plantations, both within and outside their natural ranges.” (Richardson 1998).