TY - JOUR UR - https://doi.org/10.7287/peerj.preprints.2516v1 DO - 10.7287/peerj.preprints.2516v1 TI - The relationship between sap flow density and environmental factors in the Yangtze River Delta region AU - Liu,Xin AU - Zhang,Bo AU - DeAngelis,Donald L AU - Zhang,Jinchi AU - Zhuang,Jiayao AU - Han,Cheng AU - Zhai,Lu AU - Zhao,Wenrui AU - Wang,Ling DA - 2016/10/11 PY - 2016 KW - transpiration KW - diurnal sap flow KW - nocturnal sap flow KW - vapor pressure deficit KW - soil water content AB - Transpiration is an important component of the water balance in forest ecosystems. Quercus acutissima and Cunninghamia lanceolata are two important, fast-growing and commercial tree species that have been extensively used for vegetation restoration, water conservation and building artificial forests in the Yangtze River Delta Region of China. The primary objective of this study was to characterize sap flow densities of the two species by comparing diurnal, nocturnal and seasonal sap flow patterns and their relationships with environmental factors. Sap flow densities (Sd) were measured between September 2012 and August 2013 using the commercially-available thermal dissipation probes. Hourly meteorological data were measured in an open field, located 200 m away from the study site. Standard meteorological data were logged hourly at this site, including photosynthetically active radiation (Par), air temperature (Ta), relative air humidity (Rh), vapor pressure deficit (Vpd) and precipitation (P). Soil water content (Swc) data were logged hourly in different layers at Q.acutissima and C.lanceolata forests. Results indicated that the mean Sd in summer was higher than that in spring and autumn, and was lowest in winter. The Sd of Q. acutissima showed distinct diurnal patterns during the growth period (between May and October), and C. lanceolata followed similar sap flow patterns in all months except February. Nocturnal sap flow densities (Sdn) were noticeable and both species followed similar patterns during the growth period, in which Q. acutissima followed a power function from April to November and C. lanceolata followed similar patterns in all months except February. Pearson correlation analysis suggested that the sap flow density responded to environmental factors differently among each of the growing stages. The diurnal sap flow density (Sdd) was more sensitive to environmental factors than Sdn. The Sd during the growth period was more sensitive to environmental factors than in the dormant period. Par, Vpd and Ta were significantly correlated with Sdd in the whole year. In the nighttime, the sap flow density was also effected by the Vpd, Ta and Rh. The results of this study can be used to estimate the transpiration of Q. acutissima and C. lanceolata. VL - 4 SP - e2516v1 T2 - PeerJ Preprints JO - PeerJ Preprints J2 - PeerJ Preprints SN - 2167-9843 ER -