Jack pine forests can thrive on droughty, nutrient-poor sites. These traits may allow jack pine forests to tolerate a moderate amount of moisture stress and disturbance due to climate change. Under future drier conditions, this forest type may gain territory that is currently more mesic. Alternatively, the potential also exists for warmer temperatures to accelerate litter layer decomposition in these forests, leading to lower water-holding capacity and greater moisture stress. These conditions could prompt a shift to barrens systems in some locations.
External Link