I am preparing a research survey of methodologies for measurement of sap-flow in plants (from woody to herbaceous).
While thermal methods (for instance, heat-pulse and heat-balance) are well-documented, just few papers discuss non-thermal approaches. Suggestions? Recommendations?
You could find interesting the following reviews:
Article Sap-flux density measurement methods: working principles and...
https://www.ishs.org/sites/default/files/documents/methods_0.pdf
For potted plants, weighing or lysimeters are the simplest method. That can be done either continuously or at regular intervals. It's easy and direct.
Is there a reason why you would prefer non-thermal sap flow measurements?
Thank you for your feedbacks.
@Marc W Van Iersel:
I didn't mention this aspect at my question, but my intention is to achieve in-situ instrumentation. During the potential development of an alternative non-thermal method, I expect to use potted plants + weighting method for cross-comparisons. Thank you for the suggestion.
@Jeroen Schreel:
The main reason behind avoiding (if possible) thermal methods is the relative high-energy consumption of these methods. Therefore, almost every commercially available sap-flow measurement system is also associated with huge solar panel and battery(ies).
In general, if we want to have a long-term in-situ investigation of a significant number of plants (e.g., 20), we will end-up with a very high cost for deploying and maintaining such solution.
On the other hand, if a low-power (potentially, non-thermal) solution is eventually achieved, the consequent higher sap-flow sensor density at the field is expected to improve our understanding of the plant transpiration phenomenon. In short, a high number of sensors may help us to better understand the sap-flow dynamics considering a) plants diversity, b) different soil conditions and c) topography in a site while all plants share some other environmental conditions.
I understand your dilemma, however, for plants in their natural environment (not potted) the best way to go is still a sap flow sensor based on heat transport.
What type of trees are you investigating? If the actual sap flow per minute is not important (i.e. you only need the cumulative sap flow over several days) and your plants are woody you could try to go old-school and use isotope tracing. This could also work for herbaceous species, but I would not recommend it. Additionally, you might have some “problems” with hydraulic redistribution and wound formation.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Higher Education
- Universities