Effects of changing climate on water and nitrogen availability with implications on the productivity of Norway spruce stands in Southern Finland

An integrated process-based model was used to study how the changing climate affects the availability of water and nitrogen, and consequently the dynamics of productivity of Norway spruce (Picea abies) on sites with different initial soil water conditions in southern Finland over a 100-year period. The sensitivity of the total stem volume growth in relation to short-term availability of water and nitrogen was also analyzed. We found that a high proportion (about 88–92%) of the total precipitation was lost in total evapotranspiration (incl. canopy evaporation (Ec), transpiration (Et) and ground surface evaporation (Eg)), under both current and changing climate. Furthermore, under the changing climate the cumulative amount of Ec and Eg were significantly higher, while Et was largely lower than under the current climate. Additionally, the elevated temperature and increased expansion of needle area index (L) enhanced Ec. Under the changing climate, the increasing soil water deficit (Wd) reduced the canopy stomatal conductance (gcs), the Et, humus yield (H, available nitrogen source) and nitrogen uptake (Nup) of the trees. During the latter phases of the simulation period, the canopy net photosynthesis (Pnc) was lower due to the reduced Nup and soil water availability. This also reduced the total stem volume production (Vs) on the site with the lower initial soil moisture content. The growth was slightly more sensitive to the change in precipitation than to the change in nitrogen content of the needles, when the elevated temperature was assumed. According to our findings, drought stress episodes may become more frequent under the changing climate. Thus, adaptive management strategies should be developed to sustain the productivity of Norway spruce in these conditions, and thus, to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change.