Spatio-temporal linkage variations between NDVI and tree rings on the leeward side of the northern Patagonian Andes

The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and tree rings provide different approaches that allow evaluating the productivity of ecosystems. Following this premise, we evaluated the relationship between NDVI and tree-ring widths of Austrocedrus chilensis forests at sectors of the Argentinian northwestern foothills of the Patagonian Andes. To proceed with this study, wood core samples were taken from 153 trees at 6 sites located at different latitudes and along a strong west-east precipitation gradient. The NDVI presented a significant and positive spatial correlation with precipitation, the Standardized Precipitation-Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI-3), soil moisture, and a negative correlation with air temperature at large geographical coverages. Stand location in the latitudinal and meridian coordinates showed a species-specific effect, with greater sensitivity to NDVI in sites located at higher latitudes and under drier conditions. We found stronger associations between stem biomass (tree rings) and canopy biomass (NDVI) in drier sites, assuming a closer link to stressful water conditions. This behavior was accentuated since 1988, which coincides with the increase in air temperature as a result of regional warming processes. These results suggest that site environmental conditions influence how NDVI and ring width are linked, showing the complex dynamics between climate and growth. The results indicate that ring widths of A. chilensis trees have the potential to assess current NDVI variations in the study area, allowing reconstructions of past productivity and potential predictive models of future changes.