Small-Scale Environmental Heterogeneity Enhances Tree Recruitment through Carbon Recharge and Water Use Diversification

Studying regeneration processes in oak-dominated forests requires a multi-faceted approach that considers local factors, disturbances, management actions, and tree responses. Our aims were to quantify the carbon water-use responses of saplings evaluate ecological consequences at early phase pedunculate oak-hornbeam forest. We measured plant eco-physiological parameters using an open-chamber IRGA equipment large experimental canopy gaps (instantaneous field data) greenhouse (climate-controlled reference conditions. used non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA test analyze differences similarities gas-exchange response. Functional fingerprints indicated shared resource use efficiency functions species-specific performance levels with temporal variations. Medium-level seasonally balanced uptake characterized oak (Quercus robur L.) European hornbeam (Carpinus betulus L.). In contrast, response patterns wild cherry (Prunus avium (L.) green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marshall) dominated by water use. Goat willow (Salix caprea had consistently elevated largest seasonal variation among study species. found trees could be ranked on relative isohydric-to-anisohydric scale regarding their species–environment interaction. According carbon-gain pattern coupling non-structural carbohydrate exchange scheme, we able classify species as having medium- long-term management. conclusion, spatially heterogeneous temporally facilitate species’ development mixed-stand providing functionally diversifying recruiting environment.