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Using branch and basal trunk sap flow measurements to estimate whole-plant water capacitance: comment on Burgess and Dawson (2008)

Formally Refereed

Abstract

Sap flow sensors are uniquely able to continuously monitor whole tree physiology. Recently, Burgess and Dawson (Burgess SSO, Dawson TE, Plant Soil 305:5-13, 2008) urged caution in using sap flow probes to estimate water storage use in trees. Here we respond to three criticisms raised there: (1) sampling: that tree water storage, estimated from branch-bole sap flow lags, was compromised by unaccounted variation in branch position and orientation; (2) instrumentation: that sap flow sensor response times may be sensor artifacts rather than manifestations of tree water storage; and (3) theory: that tree water storage estimates are based on a faulty concept of lag phenomena in sap flow that persists in the literature. We agree with the need for caution in sap flow-based estimates of plant water storage, but here correct flaws in arguments and representations of studies presented in Burgess and Dawson (Burgess SSO, Dawson TE, Plant Soil 305:5-13, 2008).

Keywords

Hydraulic capacitance, stem water storage, cohesion-tension theory, sap flow techniques

Citation

Phillips, Nathan G.; Scholtz, Fabian G.; Bucci, Sandra J.; Goldstein, Guillermo; Meinzer, Frederick C. 2009. Using branch and basal trunk sap flow measurements to estimate whole-plant water capacitance: comment on Burgess and Dawson (2008). Plant Soil. 315:315-324.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/treesearch/34590