[Research advance in application of heat technique in studying stem sap flow]

Abstract

This paper reviewed the principles of heat technique and its application in studying stem sap flow. Heat technique combined with determinations of tree physiological items such as whole-tree hydraulic conductance, stomatal conductance, water potential, and stem water storage can make us deeply analyze the regulation mechanism of tree transpiration, and approach the effect of environmental conditions on stem sap flow and its response. In addition, this technique can be also used for a long-term measurement of the hydrological characters of zonal forest stands, which will give a powerful technical support in properly assessing the hydrological effect of forest.