Abstract: Understanding the relationship between the radial growth of shelterbelts and climate change, especially extreme climate, is crucial for predicting the growth dynamics of shelterbelts under the background of climate change and formulating management measures. We examined the relationships between the radial growth of Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica and climate change as well as extreme climate, with Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica plantations of 33 (middle-aged forest), 48 (mature forest), and 64 years old (over-mature forest) in Zhanggutai region on the southeastern edge of the Horqin Sandy Land. The results showed that the radial growth of Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica at different stand ages responded differently to climate change, with sensitivity to climate change following an order of 33 years old > 64 years old > 48 years old. The radial growth of 33 years old Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica was significantly positively correlated with precipitation and temperature in the previous growing season and autumn, and negatively correlated with extreme temperatures in the previous growing season and autumn, as well as extreme precipitation in the current growing season. The radial growth of 48 years old Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica was significantly positively correlated with temperature in the previous growing season, but negatively correlated with extreme temperatures in the current growing season. The radial growth of 64 years old Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica was significantly positively correlated with temperature in the previous growing season and autumn, but was limited by extreme temperatures in the previous growing season and extreme precipitation at the end of the current growing season. Extreme climate factors had stronger impact on the radial growth of Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica than conventional climate factors, a phenomenon being more pronounced in middle-aged and over-mature forests. Therefore, under the background of frequent extreme climates in the future, relevant management measures should be formulated to enhance the adaptability of Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica to extreme climates.

Key words: Pinus sylvestris var. mongolic in sandy land, tree ring, growth-climate relationship, extreme climate, stand age