Species-Specific Tree Water Use Characteristics in Reforestation Stands in the Philippines
Background
The need for reforestation is becoming increasingly evident in countries like the Philippines where deforestation has lead to a scarcity of wood and other forest commodities. One concern with reforestation is the reduction in streamflow and groundwater recharge as trees move water from the ground into the atmosphere.
Research Goals & Methods
This study seeks to investigate the sap flux responses and tree water use in two 12-year-old multi-species stands.
Conclusions & Takeaways
Maximum tree water use rates were strongly correlated with tree diameter. Even though diameter played a strong role, significant variation was found across species (of similar dimensions) with respect to tree water use. The authors suggest that the water use of plants can inform species selection for plantations to control the availability of water in from reforested stands.
Reference:
. Species-specific tree water use characteristics in reforestation stands in the Philippines. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology. 2009;149:1317–1326. doi:10.1016/j.agrformet.2009.03.003.
Affiliation:
- Tropical Silviculture and Forest Ecology, Burckhardt Institute, University of Göttingen, Gottingen, Germany