Quantification and Variation of Microclimatic Variables Within Tree Canopies - Considerations for Epiphyte Research

Forest canopies are incredibly complex self-maintaining biological structures. Conditions above and within the canopy can differ vastly, often resulting in a vertical gradient of microclimate conditions. Canopy epiphytic plants have to deal with climatic variability on much more variable scales compared many other plant groups. The difficulty sensor installation their high cost explain why it has been ignored studies epiphytes. Direct measurements microenvironmental conditions only accurate way assess specific intra-canopy environmental conditions, as there is also still lack methodologically financially viable alternatives allow collection this type data. This study aims make recommendations for direct use epiphyte research summarize key discussion points concerning number placement sensors required different types studies. In addition, we presented high-resolution field data from United Kingdom, where employed over 56 sensors, demonstrate spatial temporal radiation, temperature, relative humidity (RH) tree canopy. Our demonstrated that height leaf-set were most important factors determining For first time, made regarding specifically require forest canopies.