title: Forest stand growth dynamics in Central Europe have accelerated since 1870.
abstract: Forest ecosystems have been exposed to climate change for more than 100 years, whereas the consequences on forest growth remain elusive. Based on the oldest existing experimental forest plots in Central Europe, we show that, currently, the dominant tree species Norway spruce and European beech exhibit significantly faster tree growth (+32 to 77%), stand volume growth (+10 to 30%) and standing stock accumulation (+6 to 7%) than in 1960. Stands still follow similar general allometric rules, but proceed more rapidly through usual trajectories. As forest stands develop faster, tree numbers are currently 17-20% lower than in past same-aged stands. Self-thinning lines remain constant, while growth rates increase indicating the stock of resources have not changed, while growth velocity and turnover have altered. Statistical analyses of the experimental plots, and application of an ecophysiological model, suggest that mainly the rise in temperature and extended growing seasons contribute to increased growth acceleration, particularly on fertile sites.
authors.affiliation: Chair for Forest Growth and Yield Science, Center of Life and Food Sciences Weihenstephan, Technische Universität München, Hans-Carl-von-Carlowitz-Platz 2, 85354 Freising, Germany.
authors.forename: Hans
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Pretzsch
authors.affiliation: Chair for Forest Growth and Yield Science, Center of Life and Food Sciences Weihenstephan, Technische Universität München, Hans-Carl-von-Carlowitz-Platz 2, 85354 Freising, Germany.
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Biber
authors.affiliation: Chair for Forest Growth and Yield Science, Center of Life and Food Sciences Weihenstephan, Technische Universität München, Hans-Carl-von-Carlowitz-Platz 2, 85354 Freising, Germany.
authors.forename: Gerhard
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Schütze
authors.affiliation: 1] Chair for Forest Growth and Yield Science, Center of Life and Food Sciences Weihenstephan, Technische Universität München, Hans-Carl-von-Carlowitz-Platz 2, 85354 Freising, Germany [2] Bavarian State Institute of Forestry, Hans-Carl-von-Carlowitz-Platz 1, 85354 Freising, Germany.
authors.forename: Enno
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Uhl
authors.affiliation: Chair for Forest Growth and Yield Science, Center of Life and Food Sciences Weihenstephan, Technische Universität München, Hans-Carl-von-Carlowitz-Platz 2, 85354 Freising, Germany.
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Rötzer
mesh_terms: D057231:Climate Change; D005060:Europe; D029964:Fagus / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000254:growth & development*; D065928:Forests; D015233:Models, Statistical; D028222:Picea / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000254:growth & development*; D012621:Seasons; D014197:Trees / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000254:growth & development*