On the recent strengthening of the relationship between Palmer Drought Severity Index and teak (Tectona grandis L. F.) tree-ring width chronology from Maharashtra, India: A case study

Tree growth-climate relationship analysis revealed the important role of soil moisture availability in development of annual growth rings. Winter season (October–March) Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) is an important factor in developing annual tree-rings during subsequent growing seasons. The chronology was strongly correlated with winter PDSI in recent few decades, more so than in the earlier period, indicating that tree growth is more dependent on climate. Many low growth years detected during El Nino events are probably related to moisture deficiency. The result indicates that the tree growth is mostly affected by the soil moisture availability during the recent warm periods over the region.