Spatial variability of throughfall under single birch and pine tree canopies

Abstract

The influence of tree characteristics and meteorological variables on spatial variability of throughfall under a single silver birch and black pine tree was evaluated. During the year 2016 throughfall was measured at 11 points under each tree canopy. For 30 analysed events total throughfall under the birch tree accounted for 73% and under the pine tree 56% of the rainfall in the open. The coefficient of variation of point throughfall was 30% and 40% for the birch and pine tree, respectively. In case of the birch tree both the distance from the stem and canopy coverage influenced throughfall spatial variability, which also showed different patterns during leafed and leafless periods. Additionally, the amount of rainfall and its microstructure influenced the spatial variability of throughfall under the birch tree. However, among the considered tree characteristics only canopy coverage was recognized as a parameter influencing spatial variability of throughfall under the pine. Furthermore, its spatial patterns were specified by meteorological variables, namely the amount of rainfall and its intensity.