Responses of Sap Flow of Deciduous and Conifer Trees to Soil Drying in a Subalpine Forest

Research in Jiuzhaigou Valley's subalpine forest reveals distinct water-use strategies between co-occurring deciduous (Betula albosinensis) and coniferous (Pinus tabuliformis) trees. While B. albosinensis maintained high transpiration late into the season, regardless of soil moisture, P. tabuliformis showed a continuous decline in response to seasonal drying. Sap flow for both species exhibited hysteresis linked to meteorological factors and soil-water status, particularly in afternoons. Notably, B. albosinensis demonstrated conservative water management under varying conditions, unlike P. tabuliformis, which was highly sensitive to soil moisture. These findings highlight species-specific adaptations to limited water resources, offering insights for reforestation practices in subalpine ecosystems.

Yan, C., Wang, B., Zhang, Y., Zhang, X., Takeuchi, S., & Qiu, G. (2018). Responses of Sap Flow of Deciduous and Conifer Trees to Soil Drying in a Subalpine Forest. Forests, 9(1), 32. https://doi.org/10.3390/f9010032