Water relations of loblolly pine trees in southeastern Oklahoma following precommercial thinning

Abstract

Xylem pressure potential, leaf conductance, transpiration, and soil moisture were measured during three summers following precommercial thinning of a 10-year-old stand of loblolly pine (Pinustaeda L.) in southeastern Oklahoma. The stand was thinned to three target basal-area levels: 5.8, 11.5, and 23 m 2 •ha −1 (control). Soil water potential increased significantly in response to thinning during the summer of each year studied. However, plant water relations were relatively unaffected by the treatments. Significant thinning effects on diurnal xylem pressure potential were observed on only 7 of 55 measurement periods. Treatment differences in conductance and transpiration observed during the first year of the study appeared to be related to differences in light interception and crown exposure. Regression analysis indicated response of leaf conductance and transpiration to predawn xylem pressure potential and vapor pressure deficit was not affected by the thinning treatments. Overall, the results of this study are consistent with a hypothesis in which transpiration, leaf area, and water potential interact to form a homeostatic relationship.