Larch growth across thermal and moisture gradients in the Siberian Mountains

Climate-driven changes in the thermal and moisture regimes may variously influence different tree species growth and ranges.We hypothesize that drought resistant Siberian larch(Larix sibirica Ledeb.)and precipitation-sensitive Siberian pine(Pinus sibirica Du Tour)responded differently to climate change along the elevational thermal and precipitation gradients.We studied the influence of air temperature,precipitation,soil moisture,and atmospheric drought(indicated by the drought index SPEI)on larch and pine growth along the southward megaslope of the West Sayan Ridge.We found that since 2000 climate change resulted in increasing larch and pine radial growth index(GI)(c.1.5–3times)within treeline(2000–2300 m)and timberline(1900–2000 m)ecotones,i.e.within high precipitation zones.Within the forest-steppe ecotone(1100–1200 m)in which L.sibirica is the only species,larch GI stagnated or even decreased.The total forested area increased since 2000 up to+50%in the high elevations,whereas in the low elevations(<1400 m)area changes were negligible.Within treeline and timberline,trees’GI was stimulated by summer temperature.Meanwhile,temperature increase in early spring reduces GI due to living tissue activation followed by tissue damage by desiccation.Within forest-steppe,larch radial growth was mostly dependent on soil moisture.Warming shifted dependence on moisture to the early dates of the growing period.Acute droughts decreased GI within forest-steppe as well as within treeline,whereas the drought influence on both species within highlands was insignificant.Within forest-steppe seedlings establishment was poor,whereas it was successful within treeline and timberline.Current climate change leads to stagnation or even decrease in Larix sibirica growth in the southern lowland habitat.In combination with poor seedlings establishment,reduced growth threatens the transformation of open lowland forests into forest-steppe and steppe communities.Meanwhile,in the highlands warming facilitated the growth of Siberian larch and pine and the increase of forested area.

Export 2008':Riding a Tiger Influences of CPI growth and RMB appreciation on Chinese textile export

2007 has already said farewell to us,however,the influences and meditations it brought are still fresh.In the past year, Chinese textile industry has waved through ups and downs:increasing austerity of external environment and adjustment of internal policies seemingly kept squeezing its profit margin,even the living space. But,to everyone’s gratification, many Chinese textile industries survived from diversity and carved out ways through twists and turns.However,while we were ready to breathe for relief,the snow of 2008 once again triggered people’s worries,and the continuing CPI growth as well as RMB appreciation circumstance,many export-oriented enterprises,like riding a tiger,are tortured by the idea whether do textile business or not, if do,how.Fortunately, some enterprise began to turn their attention to domestic market and pay more efforts to brand building and technology innovation with intends to develop new markets……