Pinus pumila growth at different altitudes in the Svyatoi Nos Peninsula (Russia)

Detailed research is necessary to better understand ecological adaptations of Pinus pumila (Pall.) Regel as a species, whose biological properties are vital for its survival. In the Svyatoi Nos Peninsula, three sites differing in altitude were selected. At all sites the growth form of P. pumila was determined. At the high and medium sites, the following parameters were measured: linear increment on terminal branches, leaf mass per area and the content of nitrogen per unit leaf area. Anatomical studies were carried out on shoots and four needle-year classes. It was found that needles were longer and narrower at the medium site when compared to the high site. Leaf mass per area was higher and a substantial increase in older needles occurred at the high site. Nitrogen content per unit leaf area served as an indicator of assimilation capacity and was higher at the high site. We can conclude that P. pumila has xeromorphic needles, higher assimilation capacity, better protection ability against pathogens and slower growth rate of terminal branches at the high site. Important is also a significant increment of the growth rate of terminal branches at the high site in recent years. Therefore, data obtained from sites at the upper forest limit are valuable in assessing the climate changes and are useful for the forest management practice in mountain areas.