Cervid Bark-Stripping Is an Explicit Amplifier of Storm Legacy Effects in Norway Spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) Stands

The interactions between wind damage and biotic agents, such as root-rot cervids (bark-stripping), amplify the effects of storms on forests in Europe Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) stands, Eastern Baltic region particular. Due to uneven manageability information about their susceptibility can aid prioritization management for sustaining stands. This study compared effect bark-stripping mechanical stability via mixed covariance analysis basal bending moments, based static tree-pulling test data 87 trees from five stands Latvia. Bark-stripping caused a significantly stronger reduction resistance against intrinsic wood damages (primary failure) root-rot, while showing similar fatal (secondary) failure. suggests that increases storm legacy effects, and, hence, is higher priority risk factor under climate-smart approach.