Liming effect on radial growth depends on time since application and on climate in Norway spruce stands

► Time series of radial increments were analysed from long-term spruce liming trials. ► The growth gain associated to liming (GGL) first increased up to a maximum. ► Then GGL decreased linearly with time while remaining positive. ► GGL inter-annual variations were related to water availability (P-PET). ► Low P-PET values during the current vegetation period reduced GGL.