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Does initial spacing influence crown and hydraulic architecture of Eucalyptus marginata?
A H Grigg1, C Macfarlane, C Evangelista
1Alcoa World Alumina Australia, Pinjarra, WA, Australia.
Tree Physiology
|March 5, 2008
Summary
Jarrah forest hydraulic traits on rehabilitated mines are mostly unaffected by tree spacing. This finding simplifies water balance models for these crucial drinking water catchments.
Area of Science:
- Forestry science
- Hydrology
- Ecology
Background:
- South-western Australia faces declining rainfall, increasing the need to understand jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata Donn ex Smith) forest hydraulics.
- Jarrah forests are established on rehabilitated bauxite mining sites within drinking water catchments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hydraulic characteristics of jarrah forest on rehabilitated mine sites.
- To test if leaf area index (L) is independent of initial tree spacing.
- To determine if tree density affects leaf area, sapwood area, and sapwood density.
Main Methods:
- Sampling of 18-year-old jarrah trees across a range of initial stand densities (600–9000 stems ha⁻¹).
- Measurement of leaf area index (L), leaf area to sapwood area ratio (A(l):A(s)), sapwood density, and leaf specific area.
- Analysis of the relationship between tree spacing, tree size (diameter, basal area), and hydraulic traits.
Main Results:
- Leaf area index (L) was generally unaffected by initial stand density, except in sparsely stocked stands (L=1.2 vs. 2.0-2.5).
- The leaf area to sapwood area ratio (A(l):A(s)) was consistent across spacings and tree sizes (0.2 at 1.3m height, 0.25 at crown base).
- Tree diameter and basal area were better predictors of leaf area than sapwood area; basal area predicted L well, except in the densest stands.
Conclusions:
- Hydraulic attributes of jarrah forest on rehabilitated mine sites are largely independent of initial tree spacing.
- Findings simplify the parameterization of stand and catchment water balance models for these ecosystems.
- This research supports effective water resource management in regions with declining rainfall.
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