The effect of plant size and branch traits on rainfall interception of 10 temperate tree species

Rainfall interception by vegetation plays an important role in the hydrological cycle. Next to rainfall characteristics, is influenced tree size, crown structure and bark morphology. How traits determine across functionally morphologically wide-ranging species poorly understood. We determined ratios (interception:gross precipitation) canopy storage capacities of seven temperate deciduous broadleaved (Acer pseudoplatanus L., Betula pendula Roth, Carpinus betulus Fagus sylvatica Populus tremula Sorbus aucuparia L.) three evergreen coniferous (Picea abies (L.) Karsten, Pinus sylvestris Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) as well influence various on parameters. Interception was measured directly with natural means gravimetry potted trees, 2–8 m tall, for consecutive months. Our results show that (a) had larger than both during (summer) outside growing season (winter); (b) absolute (in kg) positively related stem diameter at breast height, maximum branch length, total surface area above ground dry weight; (c) per unit projected mm) all length area. These can be used estimate parameters from plant simulate losses trees a more reliable manner.