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Biernacka P, Costas-Rodríguez M, De Clercq W, Dewaele S, De Grave J, Vanhaecke F. Capabilities and limitations of Pb, Sr and Fe isotopic analysis of iron-rich slags: a case study on the medieval port at Hoeke (Belgium). RSC Adv 2024; 14:21887-21900. [PMID: 38989247 PMCID: PMC11234174 DOI: 10.1039/d4ra02887b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
In this work, an analytical approach was developed for Pb, Sr, and Fe isotopic analysis of archaeological samples recovered from an iron work site by using multi-collector inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS). The sample types include slag, coal, clay and hammer scales, all obtained from an archaeological site at Hoeke (Belgium). Despite the wide concentration range of the target elements present in the samples and some sample manipulations necessarily performed outside of a clean laboratory facility, the analytical procedure yielded accurate and precise results for QA/QC standards while blank levels were negligible. Preliminary results concerning Pb, Sr and Fe isotope ratio variations in archaeological materials associated with iron working processes are provided. The samples revealed high variability in metal isotopic compositions, with the 208Pb/207Pb ratio ranging from 2.4261 to 2.4824, the 87Sr/86Sr ratio from 0.7100 to 0.7220, and δ 56Fe values from -0.34 to +0.08‰, which was tentatively attributed to the mixing of materials during the iron production process or variability within the source material. Also, contamination introduced by coal and furnace/hearth lining material could have contributed to the wide range of isotopic compositions observed. Because of the absence of information and data for primary ore samples to compare with, the provenance of the materials could not be established. The present study highlights the challenges in interpreting archaeological data, particularly in terms of the isotopic variability observed. It underscores the necessity of integrating analysis data with historical and archaeological knowledge. Further research, involving detailed analysis of these source materials combined with robust historical evidence, is essential to validate hypotheses concerning the origin of iron.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Biernacka
- Ghent University, Department of Chemistry, Atomic & Mass Spectrometry - A&MS Research Unit Campus Sterre, Krijgslaan 281 - S12 9000 Ghent Belgium
- Historical Archaeology Research Group, Department of Archaeology, Ghent University St.-Pietersnieuwstraat 35 9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Marta Costas-Rodríguez
- Ghent University, Department of Chemistry, Atomic & Mass Spectrometry - A&MS Research Unit Campus Sterre, Krijgslaan 281 - S12 9000 Ghent Belgium
- Centro de Investigación Mariña, Universidade de Vigo, Departamento de Química Analítica y Alimentaria, Grupo QA2 36310 Vigo Spain
| | - Wim De Clercq
- Historical Archaeology Research Group, Department of Archaeology, Ghent University St.-Pietersnieuwstraat 35 9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Stijn Dewaele
- Laboratory for Mineralogy and Petrology, Department of Geology, Ghent University Krijgslaan 281-S8 9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Johan De Grave
- Laboratory for Mineralogy and Petrology, Department of Geology, Ghent University Krijgslaan 281-S8 9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Frank Vanhaecke
- Ghent University, Department of Chemistry, Atomic & Mass Spectrometry - A&MS Research Unit Campus Sterre, Krijgslaan 281 - S12 9000 Ghent Belgium
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Pérez PA, Docmac F, Harrod C. No evidence for effects of mill-grinding on δ 13 C, δ 15 N and δ 34 S values in different marine taxa. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2022; 36:e9336. [PMID: 35711127 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.9336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE The analysis of natural variation in light stable isotopes such as carbon (δ13 C), nitrogen (δ15 N) and sulfur (δ34 S) plays an important role in deepening our understanding of ecosystems. To avoid misinterpretation, robust results are required, where pre-treatment steps such as sample homogenization are crucial to guarantee representative samples. The grinding of samples using stainless steel balls in polypropylene tubes (e.g., laboratory bead-beater) has been identified as a potential source of bias. METHODS We tested possible effects of mill-grinding (e.g., contamination) of samples of coastal marine taxa including primary producers, primary consumers and higher trophic level fish. We compared potential impacts of homogenization by mill-grinding with hand-grinding over an extended time on δ13 C, δ15 N and δ34 S values. RESULTS One-way Welch's analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that there were no statistical differences between methods for all the studied taxa. Also, repeated measures ANOVA showed no evidence of effects of grinding for extended times (from 30 to 120 seconds) for δ13 C, δ15 N and δ34 S values. CONCLUSIONS We found no evidence that grinding samples in polypropylene tubes in a bead-beater resulted in any marked alteration of the isotopic composition on the studied samples, e.g., through contamination by plastic. As such, we consider mill-grinding as an appropriate method for the homogenization of samples from a range of different marine taxa, which under controlled conditions did not affect δ13 C, δ15 N and δ34 S analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo A Pérez
- Universidad de Antofagasta Stable Isotope Facility, Instituto Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Avenida Universidad de Antofagasta #2800, Antofagasta, Chile
- Instituto de Ciencias Naturales Alexander von Humboldt, Universidad de Antofagasta, Avenida Universidad de Antofagasta #2800, Antofagasta, Chile
- Núcleo Milenio INVASAL, Concepción, Chile
| | - Felipe Docmac
- Universidad de Antofagasta Stable Isotope Facility, Instituto Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Avenida Universidad de Antofagasta #2800, Antofagasta, Chile
- Instituto de Ciencias Naturales Alexander von Humboldt, Universidad de Antofagasta, Avenida Universidad de Antofagasta #2800, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Chris Harrod
- Universidad de Antofagasta Stable Isotope Facility, Instituto Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Avenida Universidad de Antofagasta #2800, Antofagasta, Chile
- Instituto de Ciencias Naturales Alexander von Humboldt, Universidad de Antofagasta, Avenida Universidad de Antofagasta #2800, Antofagasta, Chile
- Núcleo Milenio INVASAL, Concepción, Chile
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Marchand W, Girardin MP, Hartmann H, Lévesque M, Gauthier S, Bergeron Y. Contrasting life-history traits of black spruce and jack pine influence their physiological response to drought and growth recovery in northeastern boreal Canada. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 794:148514. [PMID: 34218146 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
An increase in frequency, intensity and duration of drought events affects forested ecosystems. Trees react to these changes by adjusting stomatal conductance to maximize the trade-off between carbon gains and water losses. A better understanding of the consequences of these drought-induced physiological adjustments for tree growth could help inferring future productivity potentials of boreal forests. Here, we used samples from a forest inventory network in Canada where a decline in growth rates of black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) and jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) occurred in 1988-1992, an exceptionally dry period, to verify if this growth decline resulted from physiological adjustments of trees to drought. We measured carbon and oxygen isotope ratios in growth rings of 95 spruces and 49 pines spanning 1985-1993. We used 13C discrimination (Δ13C) and 18O enrichment (Δ18O) as proxies for intrinsic water use efficiency and stomatal conductance, respectively. We studied how inter-annual variability in isotopic signals was linked to climate moisture index, vapor pressure deficit and annual snowfall amount. We found significantly lower Δ13C values over 1988-1990, and significantly higher Δ18O values in 1988-1989 and 1991 compared to the 1985-1993 averages. We also observed that a low climatic water balance and a high vapor pressure deficit were linked with low Δ13C and high Δ18O in the two study species, in parallel with low growth rates. The latter effect persisted into the year following drought for black spruce, but not for jack pine. These findings highlight that small differences in physiological parameters between species could translate into large differences in post-drought recovery. The stronger and longer lasting impact on black spruce compared to jack pine suggests a less efficient carbon use and a lower acclimation potential to future warmer and drier climate conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Marchand
- Centre d'étude de la forêt, Université du Québec à Montréal, C.P. 8888, succ. Centre-ville, Montréal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada; Department of Forest Ecology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, Praha 6 - Suchdol 165 00, Czech Republic; Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service, Laurentian Forestry Centre, 1055 du P.E.P.S, P.O. Box 10380, Stn. Sainte-Foy, Québec, QC G1V 4C7, Canada.
| | - Martin P Girardin
- Centre d'étude de la forêt, Université du Québec à Montréal, C.P. 8888, succ. Centre-ville, Montréal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada; Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service, Laurentian Forestry Centre, 1055 du P.E.P.S, P.O. Box 10380, Stn. Sainte-Foy, Québec, QC G1V 4C7, Canada
| | - Henrik Hartmann
- Max-Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry, Department of Biogeochemical Processes, Hans-Knöll Str. 10, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Mathieu Lévesque
- Forest Management/Silviculture Group, Institute of Terrestrial Ecosystems, Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sylvie Gauthier
- Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service, Laurentian Forestry Centre, 1055 du P.E.P.S, P.O. Box 10380, Stn. Sainte-Foy, Québec, QC G1V 4C7, Canada; Centre d'étude de la forêt, Université du Québec à Montréal, C.P. 8888, succ. Centre-ville, Montréal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada
| | - Yves Bergeron
- Centre d'étude de la forêt, Université du Québec à Montréal, C.P. 8888, succ. Centre-ville, Montréal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada; Institut de recherche sur les forêts, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue, 445 boul. de l'Université, Rouyn-Noranda, QC J9X 5E4, Canada
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Worne S, Lacey JH, Barr C, Schulz C, Leng MJ. Assessment of bias in carbon isotope composition of organic leaf matter due to pre-analysis milling methods. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2021:e9134. [PMID: 34087023 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.9134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Stable isotope analysis of leaf material has many applications including assessment of plant water-use efficiency and palaeoclimatology. To facilitate interpretations of small shifts in the carbon isotope composition (δ13 C) of leaves, accurate and repeatable results are required. Pre-sample homogenisation is essential to ensure a representative sample is analysed, but can also introduce error. METHODS We investigate how different grinding methods (freezer-milling and ball-milling) affect the carbon content and δ13 C of tree leaves from a wetland in Queensland, Australia, commenting on how increased temperature, sample contamination, sample loss or poor homogenisation may impact results. RESULTS No alteration of leaf δ13 C is observed due to different milling methods, although there may be a significant increase in %C of samples processed using ball-milling. CONCLUSIONS We suggest %C variability is possibly due to contamination from abraded plastic vials or insufficient homogenisation during ball-milling, with no significant impact on δ13 C. Overall, we suggest that intermittent ball-milling may be the best solution to reduce costs, preparation time and use of liquid nitrogen, aiming to achieve complete homogenisation using the shortest possible duration of milling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savannah Worne
- British Geological Survey, National Environmental Isotope Facility, Keyworth, Nottingham, NG12 5GG, UK
| | - Jack H Lacey
- British Geological Survey, National Environmental Isotope Facility, Keyworth, Nottingham, NG12 5GG, UK
| | - Cameron Barr
- Department of Geography, Environment and Population, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Cameron Schulz
- Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Government, Brisbane City, Queensland, 4000, Australia
| | - Melanie J Leng
- British Geological Survey, National Environmental Isotope Facility, Keyworth, Nottingham, NG12 5GG, UK
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, LE12 5RD, UK
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Marchand W, Girardin MP, Hartmann H, Depardieu C, Isabel N, Gauthier S, Boucher É, Bergeron Y. Strong overestimation of water-use efficiency responses to rising CO 2 in tree-ring studies. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2020; 26:4538-4558. [PMID: 32421921 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The carbon isotope ratio (δ13 C) in tree rings is commonly used to derive estimates of the assimilation-to-stomatal conductance rate of trees, that is, intrinsic water-use efficiency (iWUE). Recent studies have observed increased iWUE in response to rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations (Ca ), in many different species, genera and biomes. However, increasing rates of iWUE vary widely from one study to another, likely because numerous covarying factors are involved. Here, we quantified changes in iWUE of two widely distributed boreal conifers using tree samples from a forest inventory network that were collected across a wide range of growing conditions (assessed using the site index, SI), developmental stages and stand histories. Using tree-ring isotopes analysis, we assessed the magnitude of increase in iWUE after accounting for the effects of tree size, stand age, nitrogen deposition, climate and SI. We also estimated how growth conditions have modulated tree physiological responses to rising Ca . We found that increases in tree size and stand age greatly influenced iWUE. The effect of Ca on iWUE was strongly reduced after accounting for these two variables. iWUE increased in response to Ca , mostly in trees growing on fertile stands, whereas iWUE remained almost unchanged on poor sites. Our results suggest that past studies could have overestimated the CO2 effect on iWUE, potentially leading to biased inferences about the future net carbon balance of the boreal forest. We also observed that this CO2 effect is weakening, which could affect the future capacity of trees to resist and recover from drought episodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Marchand
- Centre d'étude de la forêt, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Institut de recherche sur les forêts, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Rouyn Noranda, QC, Canada
- Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service, Laurentian Forestry Centre, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Martin P Girardin
- Centre d'étude de la forêt, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Institut de recherche sur les forêts, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Rouyn Noranda, QC, Canada
- Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service, Laurentian Forestry Centre, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Henrik Hartmann
- Department of Biogeochemical Processes, Max-Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry, Jena, Germany
| | - Claire Depardieu
- Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service, Laurentian Forestry Centre, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Chaire de recherche du Canada en génomique forestière, Université Laval, Sainte-Foy, QC, Canada
| | - Nathalie Isabel
- Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service, Laurentian Forestry Centre, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Chaire de recherche du Canada en génomique forestière, Université Laval, Sainte-Foy, QC, Canada
| | - Sylvie Gauthier
- Centre d'étude de la forêt, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service, Laurentian Forestry Centre, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Étienne Boucher
- GEOTOP, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Geography, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Centre d'Études Nordiques, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Yves Bergeron
- Centre d'étude de la forêt, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Institut de recherche sur les forêts, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Rouyn Noranda, QC, Canada
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Janecka K, Kaczka RJ, Gärtner H, Harvey JE, Treydte K. Compression wood has a minor effect on the climate signal in tree-ring stable isotope records of montane Norway spruce. TREE PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 40:1014-1028. [PMID: 32268376 DOI: 10.1093/treephys/tpaa038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Compression wood (CW) is a common tissue present in the trunk, branches and roots of mechanically stressed coniferous trees. Its main role is to increase the mechanical strength and regain the vertical orientation of a leaning stem. Compression wood is thought to influence the climate signal in different tree-ring measures. Hence trees containing CW are mostly excluded from tree-ring studies reconstructing past climate variability. There is a large gap of systematic work testing the potential effect of CW on the strength of the climate signal in different tree-ring parameters, especially stable isotope records. Here we test for the first time the effect of CW contained in montane Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst) on both δ13C and δ18O tree-ring cellulose records by analyzing compression and opposite wood radii from several disturbed trees together with samples from undisturbed reference trees. We selected four trees tilted by geomorphic processes that were felled by wind and four undisturbed reference trees in the Tatra Mountains, Poland. We qualitatively classified the strength of CW using wood cell anatomical characteristics (tracheid shape, cell wall thickness and presence of intercellular spaces). Then we developed tree-ring width and δ13C and δ18O chronologies from the CW radii, from the opposite radii of the tilted trees and from the reference radii. We tested the effect of CW on tree-ring cellulose δ13C and δ18O variability and on the climate signal strength. We found only minor differences in the means of δ13C and δ18O of compression (δ13C: -22.81‰, δ18O: 28.29‰), opposite (δ13C: -23.02‰; δ18O: 28.05‰) and reference (δ13C: -22.78‰; δ18O: 27.61‰) radii. The statistical relationships between climate variables, δ13C and δ18O, remained consistent among all chronologies. Our findings suggest that moderately tilted trees containing CW can be used to reconstruct past geomorphic activity and for stable isotope-based dendroclimatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Janecka
- Institute of Botany and Landscape Ecology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
- Centre for Polar Studies KNOW (Leading National Research Centre), Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Silesia, Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Ryszard J Kaczka
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Silesia, Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Holger Gärtner
- Research Unit Forest Dynamics, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Jill E Harvey
- Institute of Botany and Landscape Ecology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
- Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service, Northern Forestry Centre, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Kerstin Treydte
- Research Unit Forest Dynamics, Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
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Isaac-Renton M, Montwé D, Hamann A, Spiecker H, Cherubini P, Treydte K. Northern forest tree populations are physiologically maladapted to drought. Nat Commun 2018; 9:5254. [PMID: 30531998 PMCID: PMC6288165 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07701-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Northern forests at the leading edge of their distributions may not show increased primary productivity under climate warming, being limited by climatic extremes such as drought. Looking beyond tree growth to underlying physiological mechanisms is fundamental for accurate predictions of forest responses to climate warming and drought stress. Within a 32-year genetic field trial, we analyze relative contributions of xylem plasticity and inferred stomatal response to drought tolerance in regional populations of a widespread conifer. Genetic adaptation leads to varying responses under drought. Trailing-edge tree populations produce fewer tracheids with thicker cell walls, characteristic of drought-tolerance. Stomatal response explains the moderate drought tolerance of tree populations in central areas of the species range. Growth loss of the northern population is linked to low stomatal responsiveness combined with the production of tracheids with thinner cell walls. Forests of the western boreal may therefore lack physiological adaptations necessary to tolerate drier conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Isaac-Renton
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2H1, Canada.
| | - David Montwé
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2H1, Canada
| | - Andreas Hamann
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2H1, Canada
| | - Heinrich Spiecker
- Chair of Forest Growth and Dendroecology, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität-Freiburg, Tennenbacherstrasse 4, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Paolo Cherubini
- Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Zürcherstrasse 111, CH-8903, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
| | - Kerstin Treydte
- Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Zürcherstrasse 111, CH-8903, Birmensdorf, Switzerland
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Drought Stress Reaction of Growth and Δ13C in Tree Rings of European Beech and Norway Spruce in Monospecific Versus Mixed Stands Along a Precipitation Gradient. FORESTS 2017. [DOI: 10.3390/f8060177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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