INFLUENCE OF DENDOMETRIC AND MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS ON STEMFLOW IN A FOREST-SAVANNA TRANSITION AREA IN THE BRAZILIAN AMAZON

Abstract

Species-specific morphological characteristics play a decisive role in determining stemflow. However, in tropical forests, as a result of high biodiversity, the results can be conflicting. The objective of this study was to analyse the influence of tree morphology on water running down tree trunks in a forest-savanna transition area in the Brazillian Amazon. A total of 46 trees were installed samplers for stemflow monitoring. Rainfall events with a volume of > 10 mm were recorded. Dendometric variables and morphological characteristics of the trees were related to the stemflow volume. Circumference at breast height, basal area and canopy projection area were determinants for the formation of distinct tree groups, whereas these variables were not significantly correlated with stemflow volume. When the trees were grouped according to their morphological characteristics, significant correlations were identified for basal area and circumference at breast height for stemflow from trees with an upright trunk and rough bark. Mean stemflow volume from trees with a smooth bark was higher than the other trees. However, when the variable trunk inclination was inserted, the mean stemflow from upright trunks was lowest and that from inclined trunks was highest, showing the relevance of this variable for stemflow production.