I am monitoring the through-fall and stem-flow from different fruit crops and some forest plants. The data is being collected on daily basis. Rainfall of different magnitude are occurring daily. What will be the appropriate length of data records to analyse the stem-flow and through-fall so that a generalised relationship between rainfall these parameters can be defined? Other parameters like leaf area, canopy spread and branching pattern are recorded.
Dear Santosh,
The answer to your question will depend strongly on the ultimate purpose of your project. For instance, if you are interested in the possible impact of climate changes on through fall or stem flow, you should accumulate such data over very long periods of time (e.g., decades or longer).
If, on the other hand, the goal is to derive a parameterization of the through fall or stem flows as a function of rainfall rate, then all you need is to collect data over a wide enough range of events to cover typical situations as well as some extremes, such as a few seasons.
The other aspect of your question is related to the accuracy of the relations you are seeking: typically, the higher the accuracy requirement, the more empirical data you will need to acquire, to be in a position to guarantee the relevance of your results.
The best way to explore this latter question is first to establish the minimum accuracy requirement (i.e., the largest error that can be tolerated without compromising the application), and then use a model relating through fall or stem flows to your desired output. If such a model exist, then you should be able to assess its sensitivity to errors on inputs, and thus get a feel for what amount of data you may require in order to fulfill your objective.
I hope this helps. Cheers, Michel.
Dear Santhosh
i endorse the opinion of Michel. Its right attitude that climate change studies long data and for enumeration you may have to study under extremities.
Good luck
Chandrashekar
I also agree with Michel. But sometime the project has limited time. By this condition, you can measure the through fall up to the rainfall stop for various rainfall events. while for stem fall after no more rain drop or flow in the instruments for various rainfall event as well. Hope will help you.
Information is available in Forest Ecology department FRI Dehradun
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