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Oak Trees Poised to replace Pines in Swiss forests Amidst Warming Climate

In Switzerland,particularly in the Alps,a significant shift is occurring in forest composition. Pines are declining, while oak trees are increasingly taking their place, according to Charlotte Grosord, a researcher at the EPFL vegetable ecology laboratory. This observation stems from studies conducted in areas like the Bois de Finges (VS),one of Switzerland’s warmest and largest regions. During soil regeneration processes, researchers have noted that the young trees emerging are predominantly oaks, not pines.

This trend is particularly relevant for regions experiencing the impacts of global warming,which has already seen temperatures rise by more than 2.9°C compared to pre-industrial averages. The findings allow for predictions about which tree species will come to dominate these changing environments.

“We will likely see more hardwoods with deep root systems and smaller leaves,” Grosord explained. “These characteristics help trees conserve water and possess wood that is highly resistant to significant hydraulic stress.”

Understanding the Impact of Warming

To differentiate the effects of soil dryness from those of ambient air dryness, researchers implemented a controlled experiment using large foggers along several trees last year. Initial results indicate that dry air causes trees to utilize water earlier in the season and in greater quantities,leading to a more rapid drying of the soil. Giovanni Bortolami, a fellow researcher in plant ecophysiology, likened this to a glass of water evaporating faster in a desert’s dry air than in a tropical forest’s humid air, even at the same temperature.

Interestingly, the comparisons made with the foggers yielded unexpected insights. Trees exposed to misting did not necessarily fare better than their counterparts.Grosord noted that trees experiencing atmospheric drought tend to activate their “safety valves” more quickly, which in turn slows down the decline process.

The Rise of the Oak

The future of oak trees in Switzerland, alongside other species, appears to be increasingly secure. Understanding the resilience of trees to climate warming is crucial for fostering healthy forest growth. Such forests are vital for protecting ecosystems and human infrastructure, as well as for sequestering carbon dioxide.

“For a forest to function as a carbon sink, it requires healthy trees, often supported by strong biodiversity,” Grosord concluded. “We certainly know that biodiversity enhances numerous ecosystem functions, including the capacity to store carbon.”

This research will contribute to a more accurate assessment of carbon sinks’ effectiveness and improve predictions of atmospheric CO2 concentrations, thereby refining models of global warming’s extent.

TV Subject: Pascal Jeannerat
Web Adaptation: Raphaël Dubois with AFP