Applicability of sap flux measurements in moso bamboo (phyłł ostachys pubescens): Relationship between water absorption and wholetree water use utilizing granler sensor sap flux measurements

Abstract

Although sap flux measurement is one of the most robust techniques for stand-scale transpiration estimates, its applicability to bamboo is unclear. Ultimately we aim to establish a method for sap flux-based stand-scale transpiration estimates in a bamboo forest This study focused on establishing a method for individual-scale transpiration estimates. We conducted sap flux measurements using hand-made 1-cm length sensors, and water absorption measurements in cut-bamboo. The sensors could detect water uptake in individual plants (i.e., sap flux in moso bamboo). The diurnal changes in sap flux density reasonably well corresponded to those in water absorption. We found there was an underestimation of whole-tree water use with the 1-cm Grainer sensor; thus we suggested a modified equation for the calculation of sap flux density. In this study we could estimate individual-scale transpiration in moso bamboo using sap flux measurements.