Investigation of the effective factors on rate of stemflow for tree species in Hyrcanian forests

Abstract

The objective of this study was (i) to compare the amount of stemflow in deciduous broadleaved trees (with and without leaves) in accordance with different growth seasons and (ii) to compare the rate of stemflow in coniferous and broadleaved trees in according to the canopy cover area. Stemflow was measured on 20 marked trees using a stemflow collector. Rates were different for the different tree species Beech Fagus orientalis L, Ironwood Parrotia persica L., Alder Alnus subcordata L. and Hornbeam Carpinus betulus L., and were greater in autumn than winter even though trees were then in leaf. The stemflow increased with increasing canopy cover area. Even though canopy cover in conifers (Cupressus sempervirens var. horizontalis) was less than the broad-leaved beech, the rate of stemflow was higher, up to 7 litres per hour with relatively small canopies.

Keywords: canopy, seasons, conifers, broad-leaved trees