(1) Institute of Forest Ecology, Mendel University of Agriculture and Forestry, Zemdlská 3, 61300 Brno, Czech Republic;(2) Environmental Measuring Systems, Turistická 5, 62100 Brno, Czech Republic
Abstract:
Sap flow measurement techniques and evaluation of data are reviewed. Particular attention is paid to the trunk segment heat balance (THB) and heat field deformation (HFD) methods based on 30 years experience. Further elaboration of sap flow data is discussed in terms of integrating flow for whole stems from individual measuring points, considering variation of radial patterns in sapwood and variation around stems. Scaling up of data from sets of sample trees to entire forest stands based on widely available biometric data (partially on remote sensing images) is described and evaluated with a discussion of the magnitude of errors, the routine procedure applicable in any forest stand and practical examples.