Dynamic variation in sapwood specific conductivity in six woody species.

Abstract

Relationships between pressure gradients and flow rates in the xylem are incompletely understood because steady-state conductivity coefficients are inadequate for predicting and interpreting flow under the non-steady-state conditions more prevalent in intact trees. The goal of this study was to determine the magnitude of deviation of trunk sapwood specific conductivity (ks) from that predicted by Darcy's law when ks is measured under steady-state vs. non-steady-state conditions. The results represent very significant deviations from flow rates predicted by Darcy's law, and suggest that if these non-linearities of pressure-flux relationships are not taken into account, large errors in model predictions of sap flux, and ultimately tree productivity, will result.

Citation

Domec, J.C.; Meinzer, F.C.; Gartner, B.L.; Housset, J. 2007. Dynamic variation in sapwood specific conductivity in six woody species. Tree Physiology. 27: 1389-1400