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Utility of Stem Diameter Changes as Predictors of Plant Canopy Water Potential 1
Author(s) -
So H. B.,
Reicosky D. C.,
Taylor H. M.
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
agronomy journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.752
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1435-0645
pISSN - 0002-1962
DOI - 10.2134/agronj1979.00021962007100050004x
Subject(s) - canopy , calibration , environmental science , greenhouse , main stem , stem and leaf display , water stress , agronomy , water potential , horticulture , botany , soil science , mathematics , biology , soil water , statistics
Abstract Stem diameter fluctuations have been used to monitor changes in plant water potential through a dynamic method to correct for the time lag. The objective of this work was to determine whether a single day's calibration was suitable for long‐term prediction of plant water potential and if the technique was applicable for different species. Plants were grown in a growth chamber, a greenhouse, and in field plots. Changes in stem diameter were monitored continuously, using linear variable differential transformers (LVDT). Leaf water potentials were measured using the pressure‐chamber technique. When the stem diameter‐leaf water potential relationship was corrected for time lag, change in stem diameter was closely related to leaf water potential over several days. The method of deriving leaf water potentials from stem diameter fluctuations was applicable for corn ( Zea mays L.) and soybean ( Glycine max (L.) Merr.). Water stress caused a decrease in sensitivity for soybean. This fact indicated that the frequency of calibration needs to be increased as the plants become stressed. Changes in stem diameter are a convenient parameter for predicting plantcanopy water potential and the method does not require daily calibration.