Sap flow characteristics of neotropical mangroves in flooded and drained soils

Tree Physiology
By: , and 

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Abstract

Effects of flooding on water transport in mangroves have previously been investigated in a few studies, most of which were conducted on seedlings in controlled settings. In this study, we used heat-dissipation sap probes to determine if sap flow (Js) attenuates with radial depth into the xylem of mature trees of three south Florida mangrove species growing in Rookery Bay. This was accomplished by inserting sap probes at multiple depths and monitoring diurnal flow. For most species and diameter size class combinations tested, Js decreased dramatically beyond a radial depth of 2 or 4 cm, with little sap flow beyond a depth of 6 cm. Mean Js was reduced on average by 20% in Avicennia germinans (L.) Stearn, Laguncularia racemosa (L.) Gaertn. f. and Rhizophora mangle L. trees when soils were flooded. Species differences were highly significant, with L. racemosahaving the greatest midday Js of about 26g H2O H2O m−2s−1 at a radial depth of 2 cm compared with a mean for the other two species of about 15 g H2O m−2s−1. Sap flow at a depth of 2 cm in mangroves was commensurate with rates reported for other forested wetland tree species. We conclude that: (1) early spring flooding of basin mangrove forests causes reductions in sap flow in mature mangrove trees; (2) the sharp attenuations in Js along the radial profile have implications for understanding whole-tree water use strategies by mangrove forests; and (3) regardless of flood state, individual mangrove tree water use follows leaf-level mechanisms in being conservative.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Sap flow characteristics of neotropical mangroves in flooded and drained soils
Series title Tree Physiology
DOI 10.1093/treephys/27.5.775
Volume 27
Issue 5
Year Published 2007
Language English
Publisher Heron Publishing
Publisher location Victoria, Canada
Description 9 p.
First page 775
Last page 783
Country United States
State Florida
City Naples
Other Geospatial Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
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