Whole-tree drought responses

Tree species exhibit diverse water use and growth responses, with varying levels of mortality risk during droughts and heatwaves, highlighting the importance of understanding these differences for the future of forestry and biodiversity conservation. Dendrometer and sap flow sensors are central to this research, enabling us to measure whole-tree water use, stomatal regulation, and their responses to changing environmental conditions. Additionally, analyzing wood structure and soil water availability is crucial for understanding how trees maintain hydration and continue to grow during drought. 

We develop and apply cutting-edge sensor technologies to monitor trees in various environments, including large-scale ecosystem rain exclusion experiments, urban ecosystems, plantations, and natural forest ecosystems. These studies provide vital insights into the mechanisms that govern drought resistance in mature tree species. Furthermore, we use tree-ring analysis to assess growth responses to drought across different forest ecosystems and tree species. 

This research also supports the development of novel sensor technologies with significant potential for future collaborations in soil science, urban ecology, horticulture, and agroforestry.

For more information on this research, please contact Richard L. Peters or Torben Hilmers. An overview of related projects can be found here.