Abstract
The primary goal of this study was to determine the optimum number of substrate moisture sensors needed to accurately determine substrate water content for 10 tree species in a containerized nursery. We examined variation in volumetric water content (VWC, m3·m−3) within containers, within species, among species, and over time. Across time, differences among species were not significant (P = 0.14). However, differences among time periods and the interaction effect between species and time periods were significant (P < 0.001). Seasonal differences in within-species variation were also evident in nine of the 10 species. In an attempt to understand species-specific mechanistic factors that influence within-species variation in VWC, we accounted for physiological and morphological differences affecting transpiration with a spatially explicit mechanistic model, MAESTRA. Neither estimated transpiration rate per whole crown or m2 of leaf area could explain variation in VWC. Based on our results, we recommend species-specific sensor deployment and report sensor quantities that estimate the mean substrate VWC of each species within a confidence interval of ± 5% VWC. Given the economic value of water and its control on biomass production, we conclude that nursery managers can maintain optimal substrate moisture with minimal sensor deployment.
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