Effects of heat balance stem-flow gauges and associated silicone compound on ash trees

• Published in: Agricultural and forest meteorology Vol. 73; no. 1; pp. 135 - 142
• Main Authors: Wiltshire, J.J.J., Wright, C.J., Colls, J.J., Unsworth, M.H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.02.1995; Oxford Elsevier; New York, NY
• Subjects: ABSORCION DE AGUA; ABSORPTION D'EAU; Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Applied ecology; Biological and medical sciences; Economic plant physiology; Ecotoxicology, biological effects of pollution; Effects of pollution and side effects of pesticides on plants and fungi; FRAXINUS; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; MEASUREMENT; MEDICION; MESURE; Plant physiology and development; TRANSPIRACION; TRANSPIRATION; Water and solutes. Absorption, translocation and permeability; Water relations, transpiration, stomata; WATER UPTAKE; Biometrics; Biological fluid; Diameter increment; Open top chamber; Fumigation; Sap; Thermal method; Methodology; Property composition relationship; Growth; Flow measurement; Water use; Silicon Compounds; Stem; Gauge; Transpiration; Hardwood forest tree; Methodological bias; Liquid flow; Biological effect; Siloxane polymer; Instruments; Constriction; Fitting; Polymer; Ozone; Biophysics; Ecophysiology; Survival; Measuring instrument; Gases; Pollutant; Height increment; Measurement technique; Plant trunk; Forestry; Heat balance; Performance
• ISSN: 0168-1923; 1873-2240
• DOI: 10.1016/0168-1923(94)02177-L

Stem-flow gauges were used to estimate water use by young ash trees ( Fraxinus excelsior L.) growing in the field at the University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough. In 1992 and 1993 the trees were exposed to episodes of elevated ozone concentration or to clean air in open-top chambers. Trunk constriction was observed on trees fitted with gauges in 1992, resulting in impaired flushing and growth in the spring of 1993. Despite precautions, constriction was again observed in 1993. Also in 1993 an experiment was conducted to assess the effect on ash trees of the silicone compound used with gauges to enhance performance and aid fitting to the trunks. Trunk constriction was observed when the compound was applied to the trunks without the use of gauges or any other physical restriction to radial growth. Data which demonstrate the degree of constriction are presented.