Stemflow Infiltration Hotspots Create Soil Microsites Near Tree Stems in an Unmanaged Mixed Beech Forest

In stemflow, rainfall is collected and channeled to a concentrated soil water input. It can constitute up 30% of incident precipitation in some ecosystems. However, the size zone influenced by stemflow unclear, statistically representative measurement (on between sites) scarce. Therefore, whether creates hotspots infiltration potential impacts on forest soils remain subject controversy. this study, we investigated areal dimension infiltrating fluxes as well effects near-stem soils. We measured throughfall, properties high-resolution statistical designs mixed plot Germany receiving moderate stemflow. From data, modeled spatial distribution net depth plot. Furthermore, examined chemical physical around tree stems test for assess impact. Results show that areas are much smaller than typically assumed strong compared throughfall. This also mirrored properties, which significantly altered near stems. Here, accelerated formation enhanced translocation processes indicate increased due high inputs. Additionally, hydraulic enable quicker Our findings attest even comparatively low fractions (of gross precipitation) generate matter inputs, impactful subsequent hydrological biogeochemical properties. Trees shape their direct environment, thereby establishing pathways preferential flow connecting canopy deeper subsurface.