Study reveals how tree behavior impacts local climate and water resources.
Canopy stomatal conductance of Platycladus orientalis was studied to understand how it responds to environmental factors. The researchers measured sap flow density and observed factors like light, temperature, and humidity. They found that sap flow density was higher in the growing season and increased with tree size. Canopy stomatal conductance followed a similar pattern, peaking at around 10°C. It was positively correlated with light levels below 400 μmol·m-2·s-1 and decreased as humidity increased. Higher temperatures and light levels, along with lower humidity, led to greater canopy stomatal conductance and increased tree transpiration.