Description:
Global warming-related summer precipitation reduction represents a major threat on tree vitality and persistence and hence on forest productivity over large parts of the temperate zone. European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) is the most important broadleaf tree species of Central Europe’s natural forest vegetation and one of the economically most important trees in Germany. Although this forest tree shows a wide tolerance toward a wide range of climatic and edaphic growing conditions, beech is known to be drought sensitive. Accordingly, the future role of F. sylvatica in Europe is under contro...