Beech confronted with climate change – The case of Belgium

This article explores the relationship between beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and its environment on the scale of Belgium. Radial increment is used to assess the effects of global change, particularly climate change, on the development and vitality of beech since the beginning of the 20th century. The average radial increment of beech on the scale of Belgium has decreased while its variability has increased. Climate has had a growing influence on growth and has become the predominant factor since the beginning of the 1990’s. The increments of all trees have become synchronised mainly due to the increase in frequency and intensity of summer heat waves and spring droughts. The results are interpreted on the basis of knowledge about the ecophysiology of beech and the consequences of current and future climate change are discussed. © AgroParisTech, 2017.