A new theory of tree sap flow.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The theory of water transport in trees, according to which the main driving force of water movement is the suction created by the evaporation of water by the meniscus (the curved surface of the capillary liquid column) on the evaporating elements, supported from below by root pressure, is controversial. The main physics argument against it is that the capillary effect in nature is around 1 m. In the case of open-air gaps, the leaf cannot suck in the water against gravity because, in this case, the plant would not be sucking in water, but air through the open-air gap.

Aim

To present a new theory of three-sap flow and to support it with practical observations, previous data from decades of experimental measurements, and direct measurement data obtained by the auth

SUBMITTER: Torok A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12318510 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature