Disentangling the effects of disturbance, climate and tree age on xylem hydraulic conductivity of Betula pendula.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND AND AIMS:The increasing frequency of disturbances in temperate forests is responsible for the greater numbers of trees with mechanically damaged cambial zones. Adjustment of wood anatomical structure to balance between safe and efficient water conductivity is one mechanism trees employ to cope with mechanical damage. The relative role of disturbances, tree age and climate in shaping xylem conduits and affecting xylem hydraulic conductivity remains unknown. METHODS:We performed an experiment with five different mechanical treatments simulating natural disturbances of juvenile Betula pendula trees (stem scarring, tilting, decapitation, root exposure and stem-base burial). After 3 years, trees were cut down, conduit size and density were measured, and specific hydraulic conductivit

SUBMITTER: Tumajer J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6526315 | biostudies-literature | 2019 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature