Dendrochronological Assessment of Coniferous Tree Growth and Ecosystem Resilience in the Forest-Steppe Zone of Kazakhstan

Abstract

This article provides a comprehensive review of contemporary scientific studies devoted to the dynamics of radial growth in tree species under the influence of climate change and anthropogenic pressure, with a particular focus on the forest-steppe ecosystems of Kazakhstan. The methodological foundation is based on dendrochronological approaches that make it possible to identify relationships between climatic factors, soil ecological conditions, and the biological responses of woody plants. Through the analysis of national and international literature, it is demonstrated that the radial growth of trees is highly sensitive to variations in temperature, drought intensity, heavy metal pollution, and other environmental stressors. Key methods of tree-ring analysis are highlighted, including the use of software such as ARSTAN and TSAP, as well as statistical models applied in dendroclimatology and dendroecology. The findings emphasize the importance of an integrated interdisciplinary approach to assessing the resilience of forest ecosystems and underline the necessity of expanding dendroecological research to develop effective adaptation strategies for sustainable forest management in Kazakhstan’s changing climate