THE INFLUENCE OF CLIMATE-CHANGE ON THE PRODUCTIVITY OF SCOTS PINE, NORWAY SPRUCE, PENDULA BIRCH AND PUBESCENT BIRCH IN SOUTHERN AND NORTHERN FINLAND

Model computations for Finland showed that the rising temperature asso ciated with climatic change could increase the yield of Scots pine (Pi nus sylvestris), Pendula birch (Betula pendula) and Pubescent birch (B etula pubescent). The yield of these species increased more in norther n (66-degrees-N) than in southern Finland (62-degrees-N), the former s ite representing southern boreal the latter northern boreal conditions . The productivity of Norway spruce (Picea abies) decreased in souther n Finland, but increased substantially in northern Finland. The temper ature rise associated with climatic change could increase the producti vity of the forest ecosystems in northern Finland close to that curren tly prevailing in southern Finland.