Talking trees

Growth and water consumption of trees along a density gradient

The aim of this project is to monitor the growth, carbon storage and water consumption of oak trees. With the installation of modern sensors on ten trees along a density gradient, which are part of the TUM-Audi Nelder forest near Kösching, the project enables to analyze growth and water balance of trees at different stand densities in high temporal resolution. By measuring the stem radius every ten minutes, changes due to weather or day/night can be studied. As water consumption is also measured and calculated, values such as drought stress and water use efficiency can be determined. 

Besides its scientific value the project aims to visualize in real time the growth and ecosystem services of the oak tree stand with different density levels for a broader public. A new website (www.talkingtrees.de) shows, e.g., the daily growing and shrinking of the stems. It also demonstrates the eco-system services provided by the trees such as CO₂ fixation or cooling by transpiration. Further research will try to relate phenological observations like spring leaf emergence and autumn senescence, flowering and fruiting with tree physiology. By monitoring phenological responses of individual trees at various densities and different sites we try contribute to a better understanding of ecological relationships in a changing world.

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