Variations In Sap Flux Density Research Articles

Variations in Sap Flux Density of Three Urban Tree Species and Their Main Environmental Influencing Factors in Different Timescales in the Beijing Metropolitan Area

Despite the importance of landscape design and water-resources management for urban planning, urban-forest transpiration was seldom estimated in situ. Detailed data on different urban trees’ water resource use and the effect of climatic fluctuations on their transpiration behaviour in different timescales are limited. In this study, we used a thermal dissipation method to measure the sap flux density (Js) of three urban tree species (Pinus tabulaeformis Carrière, Cedrus deodara (Roxb.) G. Don, and Robinia pseudoacacia Linn.) from 1 May 2008 to 30 April 2016 in Beijing Teaching Botanical Garden. The effects of environmental factors on sap flux density (Js) in different timescales were also analyzed. The results showed that there were significant differences in the sap flux density of three trees species in daily, seasonal, and interannual timescales. The hourly, seasonal, and interannual mean sap flux density of Pinus tabulaeformis were higher than that of Cedrus deodara and Robinia pseudoacacia. The seasonal mean Js of Pinus tabulaeformis, Cedrus deodara, and Robinia pseudoacacia in summer were 18.67, 16.19, and 41.62 times that in winter over 2008–2015. The annual mean sap flux density of Pinus tabulaeformis was 1.25–1.72 and 1.26–1.82 times that Cedrus deodara and Robinia pseudoacacia over 2008–2015. The Js responses in three tree species to environmental factors varied differently from daily to interannual timescales. The pattern of day-to-day variation in Js of three urban tree species corresponded closely to air temperature (Ta), soil temperature (Ts), solar radiation (Rs), and vapor pressure deficit (VPD). The Jarvis–Stewart model based on Ta, Rs, and VPD was more suitable for the sap flux density simulation of Pinus tabulaeformis than Cedrus deodara and Robinia pseudoacacia. The main factor affecting the sap flux density of Pinus tabulaeformis and Cedrus deodara was Ta in seasonal timescales. However, the main factor affecting the sap flux density of Robinia pseudoacacia was Ts. The interannual variations in the Js of Pinus tabulaeformis and Robinia pseudoacacia were mainly influenced by wind speed (w) and soil water content (SWC), respectively. The selected environmental factors could not explain the variation in the sap flux density of Cedrus deodara in an interannual timescale. The findings of the present study could provide theoretical support for predicting the water consumption of plant transpiration under the background of climate change in the future.

Radial variations in xylem sap flux in a temperate red pine plantation forest

BackgroundScaling sap flux measurements to whole-tree water use or stand-level transpiration is often done using measurements conducted at a single point in the sapwood of the tree and has the potential to cause significant errors. Previous studies have shown that much of this uncertainty is related to (i) measurement of sapwood area and (ii) variations in sap flow at different depths within the tree sapwood.ResultsThis study measured sap flux density at three depth intervals in the sapwood of 88-year-old red pine (Pinus resinosa) trees to more accurately estimate water-use at the tree- and stand-level in a plantation forest near Lake Erie in Southern Ontario, Canada. Results showed that most of the water transport (65%) occurred in the outermost sapwood, while only 26% and 9% of water was transported in the middle and innermost depths of sapwood, respectively.ConclusionsThese results suggest that failing to consider radial variations in sap flux density within trees can lead to an overestimation of transpiration by as much as 81%, which may cause large uncertainties in water budgets at the ecosystem and catchment scale. This study will help to improve our understanding of water use dynamics and reduce uncertainties in sap flow measurements in the temperate pine forest ecosystems in the Great Lakes region and help in protecting these forests in the face of climate change.

Effects of soil water decline on diurnal and seasonal variations in sap flux density for differently aged Japanese cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) trees

The effects of soil drought on transpiration are often neglected when predicting transpiration for forests in humid regions under the influence of the Asian monsoon. These effects have indeed been neglected for Japanese cypress, Chamaecyparis obtusa, a major plantation species in Japan and the surrounding area, probably because previous studies have reported no clear effects of soil drought on transpiration for Japanese cypress forests. However, a few studies have reported an apparent reduction in transpiration with soil drought for young Japanese cypress forests. It remains unclear whether such a reduction in transpiration is limited to young Japanese cypress forests or if it is not uncommon for mature Japanese cypress forests, which occupy a large area in Japan. To clarify this point, we conducted sap flux measurements in a year with soil drought on three differently aged Japanese cypress stands including mature (43 years old) and relatively young (23 and 26 years old) trees. In a diurnal time scale, a cross correlation analysis of sap flux density (Fd) and vapor pressure deficit (VPD) showed that the time lags between Fd and VPD were 1-3 h in dry soil conditions. These were larger than those of wet soil conditions (<1 h) for all sample trees. Fd at a given VPD in dry soil conditions was smaller than that in wet soil conditions for all sample trees; a 28%–63% reduction in the rate of change in Fd was observed under dry soil conditions. Because our results were obtained when the non-exceedance probability of recorded monthly precipitation was 9%–18%, the results suggest the need to consider the effects of soil drought more extensively. Those effects should be considered for not only relatively young but also mature Japanese cypress when predicting diurnal and seasonal patterns of transpiration in years with soil drought, and when predicting inter-annual patterns of transpiration for Japanese cypress despite humid temperate climate.

Upscaling transpiration in diverse forests: Insights from a tropical premontane site

AbstractUpscaling water use of individual trees to stands using sap flux techniques is a common method for partitioning site water balance, but few such studies have occurred in the tropics. Increasing interests in the role of tropical forests in global cycles have spurred upscaling studies in natural tropical forests, which present challenges from greater tree species and functional diversity, and potential factors that would reduce transpiration, such as frequent cloud cover and wet canopy conditions. In a premontane wet tropical forest in central Costa Rica, sap flow was measured in 15 trees stratified into 5 size classes based on tree diameters. None of the trees belonged to the same species, genus, or even family. We also accounted for potential radial variation in sap flux density. Data were scaled to estimate transpiration within a small 2.2‐ha watershed using stand surveys of sapwood area. Stand transpiration averaged only 1.4 ± 0.7 mm day−1 within this forested watershed due to persistent low radiation, evaporative demand, and frequent wet canopy conditions. Our systematic approach used tree size attributes to scale water use to the stand, given difficulties to quantify species differences in such a diverse ecosystem. Contrary to previous evidence on temperate trees, the large trees sampled did not exhibit flow reductions in deeper sapwood, which warrants further study. These results highlight some unique aspects of measuring transpiration in wet tropical forests that are important to consider for future studies in diverse stands.

Optimal sap flux sensor allocation for stand transpiration estimates: a non-dimensional analysis

Measuring between-tree variations in sap flux density rather than azimuthal variations should be prioritized for reliable stand transpiration estimates based on sap flux methods. Stand transpiration (E) estimated using sap flux methods includes uncertainty induced by azimuthal variations and between-tree variations in sap flux density (F). This study examines whether or not measuring F for two or more azimuthal directions to cover azimuthal variations in F leads to more reliable E estimates. This examination was done under the assumption that azimuthal and between-tree variations in F are not systematic and when a limited number of sensors are available. We first non-dimensionalized the theoretical framework established by a previous study and developed a general hypothesis. We then validated the hypothesis quantitatively by numerical experiments. The non-dimensionalized theory allowed us to hypothesize that measuring F for one azimuthal direction would reduce uncertainty in E estimates more effectively than measuring F for two or more azimuthal directions. Results of the numerical experiments were found to support this hypothesis. When the aforementioned assumptions are satisfied, allocating sensors to measure F for one azimuthal direction to cover between-tree variations in F always leads to more reliable E estimates.

Variation in sap flux density and its effect on stand transpiration estimates of Korean pine stands

Accurate estimates of stand transpiration (E) require the consideration of three types of variation in sap flux density (JS): radial, azimuthal, and tree-to-tree variation. In this study, the JS variation of 50-year-old Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis) trees and its effect on E estimates was evaluated using Granier-type heat dissipation sensors. The value of JS decreased exponentially with the radial depth from cambium to pith, and the coefficient of variation (CV) for radial variation was 124.3 %. Regarding the azimuthal variation, the value of JS differed significantly among aspects and the average CV was 23.6 %. The average CV for tree-to-tree variation was 34.0 %, and the daily CV increased with increasing vapor pressure deficit (D). The error in the E estimates caused by ignoring the radial variation was the largest (109.2 %), followed by those caused by ignoring the tree-to-tree and azimuthal variations (24.3 and 12.6 %, respectively). While the contribution of the azimuthal variation to the E estimates was minimal in comparison to the other variations, the azimuthal variation among aspects was significant, and the usage of the north aspect measurement did not generate substantial error in the E estimates (0.6 %). Our results suggest that the variation, particularly the species- and site-specific radial variation, must be considered when accurately calculating E estimates.

Influence of temporospatial variation in sap flux density on estimates of whole-tree water use in Avicennia marina

Our study shows that sap flow in Avicennia marina varies significantly throughout the sapwood and that spatial patterns in sap flux density are dependent on meteorological conditions. Sap flux density measurements are used worldwide as a relatively inexpensive means to provide estimates of whole-tree and whole-stand water use in forest ecosystems. However, erroneous upscaling from point measurements to the entire sapwood area remains an issue, since sap flow is hardly ever constant throughout the tree. In this study, two widely used sap flow methodologies (the Heat Ratio or HR method and the Heat Field Deformation or HFD method) are used to assess radial and azimuthal variations in sap flux density in three mature trees of the mangrove species Avicennia marina in Brisbane, Australia. The genus Avicennia is characterised by secondary growth via successive cambia, resulting in an atypical sapwood pattern of xylem patches braided with phloem strings. Water use estimates were calculated in different ways. At first, spatial variation was ignored when upscaling from point measurements. Then, radial and azimuthal variations were incorporated subsequently by measuring at different depths and aspects around the tree. Ignoring azimuthal variation led to over- or underestimations of up to 102 %, while radial variation accounted for discrepancies of up to 25 %. Furthermore, the influence of changing meteorological conditions was assessed, which showed that radial profiles changed in shape during rain events, such that maximum sap flow rates occurred at different depths compared to dry periods. Our study thus indicates that spatial variation in sap flux density is highly unpredictable in A. marina due to its hydraulic architecture, and that changing meteorological conditions alter the pattern of this variation. These two factors should be accounted for when assessing whole-tree water use.

INFLUENCE OF SPATIAL VARIATION IN SAP FLUX DENSITY ON ESTIMATES OF WHOLE-TREE WATER USE IN AVICENNIA MARINA

Sap flux density measurements are used worldwide as a relatively inexpensive means to provide an estimate of whole-tree and whole-stand water use in forest ecosystems. However, erroneous up-scaling from point measurements to the entire sapwood area remains an important issue, since sap flux density is hardly ever constant throughout the cross-section of a tree. In this study, two widely used sap flow methodologies (the Heat Ratio Method or HRM and the Heat Field Deformation method or HFD) are used to assess radial and azimuthal variations in sap flux density in the mangrove species Avicennia marina or grey mangrove, a species that is characterised by a secondary growth via successive cambia, resulting in an atypical sapwood pattern of xylem patches braided with phloem strings. Sap flux density values were scaled up to whole-tree water use in different ways. Initial estimates of sap flux were made from point measurements, ignoring spatial variations. We then adjusted these measurements by including radial and azimuthal variations assessed by measurements of radial profiles and multiple sensors around the circumference of the tree, respectively. Our results showed a discrepancy of 237+/-26% between the lowest and highest water use estimate, as a consequence of the high radial and azimuthal variations in sap flux density in this species. Our study indicates that caution is required when interpreting sap flux density values, hence it is crucial to account for radial and azimuthal variation when scaling up from point measurements to whole-tree water use.

Azimuthal and radial variations in sap flux density and effects on stand-scale transpiration estimates in a Japanese cedar forest

Understanding radial and azimuthal variation, and tree-to-tree variation, in sap flux density (Fd) as sources of uncertainty is important for estimating transpiration using sap flow techniques. In a Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica D. Don.) forest, Fd was measured at several depths and aspects for 18 trees, using heat dissipation (Granier-type) sensors. We observed considerable azimuthal variation in Fd. The coefficient of variation (CV) calculated from Fd at a depth of 0-20 mm (Fd1) and Fd at a depth of 20-40 mm (Fd2) ranged from 6.7 to 37.6% (mean = 28.3%) and from 19.6 to 62.5% (mean = 34.6%) for the -azimuthal directions. Fd at the north aspect averaged for nine trees, for which azimuthal measurements were made, was -obviously smaller than Fd at the other three aspects (i.e., west, south and east) averaged for the nine trees. Fd1 averaged for the nine trees was significantly larger than Fd2 averaged for the nine trees. The error for stand-scale transpiration (E) estimates caused by ignoring the azimuthal variation was larger than that caused by ignoring the radial variation. The error caused by ignoring tree-to-tree variation was larger than that caused by ignoring both radial and azimuthal variations. Thus, tree-to-tree variation in Fd would be more important than both radial and azimuthal variations in Fd for E estimation. However, Fd for each tree should not be measured at a consistent aspect but should be measured at various aspects to make accurate E estimates and to avoid a risk of error caused by the relationship of Fd to aspect.

Variation in the radial patterns of sap flux density in pubescent oak (Quercus pubescens) and its implications for tree and stand transpiration measurements

Radial variation in sap flux density across the sapwood was assessed by the heat field deformation method in several trees of Quercus pubescens Wild., a ring-porous species. Sapwood depths were delimited by identifying the point of zero flow in radial patterns of sap flow, yielding tree sapwood areas that were 1.5-2 times larger than assumed based on visual examinations of wood cores. The patterns of sap flow varied both among trees and diurnally. Rates of sap flow were higher close to the cambium, although there was a significant contribution from the inner sapwood, which was greater (up to 60% of total flow) during the early morning and late in the day. Accordingly, the normalized difference between outer and inner sapwood flow was stable during the middle of the day, but showed a general decline in the afternoon. The distribution of sap flux density across the sapwood allowed us to derive correction coefficients for single-point heat dissipation sap flow measurements. We used daytime-averaged coefficients that depended on the particular shape of the radial profile and ranged between 0.45 and 1.28. Stand transpiration calculated using the new method of estimating sapwood areas and the radial correction coefficients was similar to (Year 2003), or about 25% higher than (Year 2004), previous uncorrected values, and was 20-30% of reference evapotranspiration. We demonstrated how inaccuracies in determining sapwood depths and mean sap flux density across the sapwood of ring-porous species could affect tree and stand transpiration estimates.

Heat dissipation sensors of variable length for the measurement of sap flow in trees with deep sapwood.

Robust thermal dissipation sensors of variable length (3 to 30 cm) were developed to overcome limitations to the measurement of radial profiles of sap flow in large-diameter tropical trees with deep sapwood. The effective measuring length of the custom-made sensors was reduced to 1 cm at the tip of a thermally nonconducting shaft, thereby minimizing the influence of nonuniform sap flux density profiles across the sapwood. Sap flow was measured at different depths and circumferential positions in the trunks of four trees at the Parque Natural Metropolitano canopy crane site, Panama City, Republic of Panama. Sap flow was detected to a depth of 24 cm in the trunks of a 1-m-diameter Anacardium excelsum (Bertero & Balb. ex Kunth) Skeels tree and a 0.65-m-diameter Ficus insipida Willd. tree, and to depths of 7 cm in a 0.34-m-diameter Cordia alliodora (Ruiz & Pav.) Cham. trunk, and 17 cm in a 0.47-m-diameter Schefflera morototoni (Aubl.) Maguire, Steyerm. & Frodin trunk. Sap flux density was maximal in the outermost 4 cm of sapwood and declined with increasing sapwood depth. Considerable variation in sap flux density profiles was observed both within and among the trees. In S. morototoni, radial variation in sap flux density was associated with radial variation in wood properties, particularly vessel lumen area and distribution. High variability in radial and circumferential sap flux density resulted in large errors when measurements of sap flow at a single depth, or a single radial profile, were used to estimate whole-plant water use. Diurnal water use ranged from 750 kg H2O day-1 for A. excelsum to 37 kg H2O day-1 for C. alliodora.