FAGUS, a model for growth and development of beech

A beech model with a time step of one day has been developed. The model describes photosynthesis, respiration, growth, seasonal development, partitioning of assimilates and nitrogen to leaves, stems, branches, roots and fruits, water and nitrogen uptake, and water, carbon and nitrogen budget of the soil. The model was checked with yield table and some experimental data. In scenario simulations it was shown that long-term rising temperature decreases the growth of beech first of all by worsening the water budget. Contemporary rise of the CO2 content may compensate the negative influence of the temperature-induced water stress. Other simulations showed that leaf loss by primary consumers may yield a similar loss in increment growth.