Height-related trends in leaf xylem anatomy and shoot hydraulic characteristics in a tall conifer: safety versus efficiency in water transport

Abstract

Growth and aboveground biomass accumulation follow a common pattern as tree size increases, with productivity peaking when leaf area reaches its maximum and then declining as tree age and size increase. Age- and size-related declines in forest productivity are major considerations in setting the rotational age of commercial forests, and relate to issues of carbon storage, because changes in forest structure can influence large-scale biomass accumulation. Despite the ecological and practical significance of the ontogenetic decline in tree growth, the mechanisms responsible for it are not well understood. However, available evidence suggests that ontogenetic trends in growth are mainly a function of tree size (height) rather than age.

Citation

Woodruff, D.R.; Meinzer, F.C.; Lachenbruch, B. 2008. Height-related trends in leaf xylem anatomy and shoot hydraulic characteristics in a tall conifer: safety versus efficiency in water transport. New Phytologist. 180: 90-99