Lasers for noninvasive monitoring of sap flow in trees

Measuring the Sap Flow of Eucalyptus Trees

We describe the design and implementation of Savia, a sensor network system for measuring the sap flow of eucalyptus trees. Unlike prior sensor network systems, which generally take a vertically integrated approach and build everything from scratch, Savia is built out of several existing sensor systems. The difficulties we encountered when combining these systems demonstrate why a vertically in...

A physical analysis of sap flow dynamics in trees

The aim of this thesis was to analyze the water dynamics of trees by using a dynamic modeling approach. The work is of cross-disciplinary nature: tree water issues which is a subject of whole plant physiology is examined by means of physics. From physical principles five different models were derived. First, to study the sap flow and the water pressure dynamics in the xylem of tree stem, the ef...

Running head: Sap flow in riparian trees Transpiration of cottonwood/willow forest estimated from sap flux

Misunderstanding sap ascent in trees

Trees transport water from their roots to their leaves thanks to an efficient but vulnerable vascular system. Assessing the vulnerability to drought of the xylem and its ability to recover from failure are not an easy task but recent findings demonstrate that, contrary to what is commonly believed, hydraulic failure and embolism repair are not routine in trees. Trees are amazing organisms. They...

A requirement for sucrose in xylem sap flow from dormant maple trees.

The response of excised stem segments of several tree species to freezing and thawing cycles was studied. All species studied (Thuja occidentalis, Fagus grandifolia, and Betula papyrifera) except maple (Acer spp.) exuded sap while freezing and absorbed on thawing. Maple stems absorbed sap while freezing and exuded sap during the thaw only when sucrose was present in the vessel solution. Increas...