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Water Use Efficiency and Hydraulic Traits of Forest Trees in...
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Water Use Efficiency and Hydraulic Traits of Forest Trees in Changing Environment

A special issue of Forests (ISSN 1999-4907). This special issue belongs to the section "Forest Hydrology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2025) | Viewed by 7696

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Simona Altieri

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
Interests: ecology; environmental science; stable isotope analysis; dendrochronology; isotopes; environmental stresses; ecophysiology; trees; stable isotopes; tree physiology
Dr. Francesco Niccoli

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Caserta, Italy
Interests: dendrochronology; quantitative wood anatomy; xylogenesis dynamics; eco-physiology; sapflow monitoring; stable isotope in tree-ring

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Forests play an essential role in mitigating climate change thanks to their ability to regulate terrestrial water and carbon cycles. However, in recent decades, dramatic changes in temperature and precipitation patterns have increased the frequency and intensity of extreme meteorological events, such as droughts, heatwaves, and floods, triggering severe impacts on forest eco-physiology.

Trees can plastically react to extreme climate events through changes in water-use efficiency and stomatal/photosynthetic behavior, as well as through adjustments in functional and hydraulic traits. Nevertheless, given the future climate forecasts, there is a real risk that forests may exceed their tolerance thresholds, resulting in increasing trees mortality. Therefore, expanding our knowledge on hydraulic and functional forest strategies in response to continuous climatic stresses is of crucial importance.

In this Special Issue we welcome original research that delves into these topics, including multidisciplinary approaches (such as eco-physiology, dendro-ecology, stable isotopes, modelling, remote sensing, etc.) performed at individual or population scale.

Potential topics include but are not limited to:

  • Detection of drivers and mechanisms behind forest water-use responses to climate change
  • Identification of tree survival strategies for extreme climatic events
  • Understanding of the eco-physiological processes responsible for tree mortality and decreases in tree growth in drought conditions
  • Effects of forest management on tree water-use dynamics

Dr. Simona Altieri
Dr. Francesco Niccoli
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Forests is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • forests
  • water-use efficiency
  • hydraulic traits
  • climate change
  • tree adaptations
  • forest management

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 10342 KiB  
Article
Study on the Water Mechanism of Sparse Grassland Decline of Ulmus pumila L.
by Tianbo Xia, Ping Zhang, Jinluo Ma, Yuan Zhao, Xiaohui Yang, Hao Wu, Xuejuan Feng, Lei Jin and Kaifang Zhang
Forests 2024, 15(12), 2061; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15122061 - 22 Nov 2024
Viewed by 808
Abstract
Ulmus pumila L. occupies an important niche in arid ecosystems. This study aimed to investigate the sap flow characteristics of declining Ulmus pumila L. in arid regions and its relationship with environmental factors. During the 2023 growing season (June to October), continuous sap [...] Read more.
Ulmus pumila L. occupies an important niche in arid ecosystems. This study aimed to investigate the sap flow characteristics of declining Ulmus pumila L. in arid regions and its relationship with environmental factors. During the 2023 growing season (June to October), continuous sap flow monitoring was conducted using thermal dissipation probes (TDPs) on Ulmus pumila L., along with measurements of soil moisture, air temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation, wind speed, and vapor pressure deficit (VPD). The results showed that when the sap flow rate of elm individuals reached 0.92 mL/cm2/h, the trees entered an extremely severe decline stage. Sap flow rates were significantly positively correlated with net solar radiation, relative humidity, VPD, and soil moisture, but negatively correlated with wind speed and real-time rainfall. VPD was identified as the key factor influencing sap flow across different decline stages, while solar radiation was critical in assessing the severity of decline. A weakened correlation between sap flow and solar radiation marked the onset of severe decline. Additionally, soil moisture exhibited a significant positive effect on sap flow rates overall. These findings not only advance our theoretical understanding of plant ecology in arid areas but also offer practical insights for managing Ulmus pumila L. decline, thus contributing to more sustainable resource management and environmental protection strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Use Efficiency and Hydraulic Traits of Forest Trees in Changing Environment)
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14 pages, 2617 KiB  
Article
Pollarding May Relieve Drought Stress in Black Poplars
by J. Julio Camarero, Cristina Valeriano, José Antonio Sánchez-Sancho and Chabier de Jaime Loren
Forests 2024, 15(11), 1869; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15111869 - 24 Oct 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 844
Abstract
Pollarding has historically been used in broadleaf tree species across European woodlands. However, despite pollarding enhances vigor growth in the short term, it is still unclear how long this effect lasts and whether it can alleviate drought stress in seasonally dry regions. We [...] Read more.
Pollarding has historically been used in broadleaf tree species across European woodlands. However, despite pollarding enhances vigor growth in the short term, it is still unclear how long this effect lasts and whether it can alleviate drought stress in seasonally dry regions. We compared the radial growth and wood δ13C (13C/12C), a proxy of intrinsic water-use efficiency (iWUE), of trees pollarded 10 and 20 years ago in two black poplar (Populus nigra L.) riparian stands located in North Eastern Spain and subjected to different ecohydrological conditions. We also assessed if pollarded trees showed different leaf phenology as compared with uncut trees of coexisting white poplar (Populus alba L.) trees. The relationships between growth, climate variables, drought severity and river flow were quantified. Pollarded and uncut trees showed a similar leaf phenology with a trend towards earlier leaf unfolding as springs become warmer. Pollarding increased growth rates by 54% (ratio between trees pollarded 10 and 20 years ago, respectively), but this enhancement was transitory and lasted ca. 10 years, whereas wood δ13C decreased −5%. The growth of black poplar increased in response to high precipitation in the previous winter, cool wet conditions, and a higher river flow in summer. Pollarding improves growth and relieves drought stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Use Efficiency and Hydraulic Traits of Forest Trees in Changing Environment)
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15 pages, 3909 KiB  
Article
Typical Plantation Water Use Strategies Are Determined by Environmental Conditions and Plant Eco-Physiology in Beijing, China
by Yujia Chen, Tonggang Zha, Hongli Zhang, Lili Zhao, Ao Wang, Qingzhou Cui, Junling Song, Hengshuo Zhang, Yang Yu and Dongmei Wang
Forests 2023, 14(12), 2277; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14122277 - 21 Nov 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1341
Abstract
The forest ecosystem of Beijing is an important barrier that preserves the ecological environment in the capital city of China. Therefore, the study of plant water utilization techniques in Beijing holds considerable importance in establishing a theoretical framework for the rehabilitation, administration, and [...] Read more.
The forest ecosystem of Beijing is an important barrier that preserves the ecological environment in the capital city of China. Therefore, the study of plant water utilization techniques in Beijing holds considerable importance in establishing a theoretical framework for the rehabilitation, administration, and preservation of forest ecosystem structures and functions. Here, the samples of precipitation, xylem water, and soil water were collected during the months of August and December 2021 from both mountainous and plains areas of Beijing. We measured the hydrogen and oxygen stable isotope values (δ2H and δ18O, respectively) and demonstrated the water use strategies of two typical tree species (Pinus tabuliformis Carr. and Acer truncatum Bunge) using the MixSIAR model. Divergent water use strategies were found in the mountainous and plains areas of Beijing. In the mountainous area, the two tree species exhibited seasonal differences in water use strategies. The xylem water of P. tabuliformis was mainly derived from the surface soil water (0~20 cm). In contrast, the xylem water of A. truncatum mainly originated from the surface soil water during the growing season, and it mainly originated from the deep soil water (60~100 cm) during the nongrowing season. However, in the plains area, the water sources of P. tabuliformis and A. truncatum did not show seasonal differences and originated mainly from the deep soil water. The findings of our study emphasize the notable disparity in water utilization strategies among tree species in the mountainous and plains areas. Consequently, it is imperative to formulate sustainable forestry management approaches that align with the water use efficiency of trees in various locations of Beijing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Use Efficiency and Hydraulic Traits of Forest Trees in Changing Environment)
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17 pages, 3963 KiB  
Article
Fire Affects Tree Growth, Water Use Efficiency and Carbon Sequestration Ecosystem Service of Pinus nigra Arnold: A Combined Satellite and Ground-Based Study in Central Italy
by Francesco Niccoli, Simona Altieri, Jerzy Piotr Kabala and Giovanna Battipaglia
Forests 2023, 14(10), 2033; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14102033 - 11 Oct 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1964
Abstract
The Mediterranean basin is an area particularly exposed to fire risk due to its climate and fire-prone vegetation. In recent decades, the frequency and intensity of wildfires increased, leading to negative effects on forests, such as a decrease in tree growth or an [...] Read more.
The Mediterranean basin is an area particularly exposed to fire risk due to its climate and fire-prone vegetation. In recent decades, the frequency and intensity of wildfires increased, leading to negative effects on forests, such as a decrease in tree growth or an increase in tree mortality, producing a relevant loss of carbon sequestration ecosystem service. This study of the impacts of fires on forests is fundamental for planning adequate forest management strategies aimed at recovering and restoring the affected areas. In this framework, our research delves into the effects of a forest fire that, in 2017, affected a forest of black pine (Pinus nigra Arnold) in Central Italy. Combining satellite and terrestrial analyses, this study evaluated the impact of the fire on tree growth, water use efficiency and carbon sequestration capacity. Our findings highlight the importance of using remote sensing for the accurate identification of fire-affected areas and precise planning of ground-based activities. However, the integration of satellite data with forest surveys and sampling has proven crucial for a detailed understanding of fire’s effects on trees. Dendrochronology and stable isotopes have revealed the post-fire growth decline and altered water usage of defoliated trees. Furthermore, the quantification of CO2 sequestration highlighted a significant reduction in carbon uptake by damaged trees, with severe implications for this ecosystem service. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Use Efficiency and Hydraulic Traits of Forest Trees in Changing Environment)
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Review

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24 pages, 13760 KiB  
Review
Advancing Knowledge in Forest Water Use Efficiency Under Global Climate Change Through Scientometric Analysis
by Tanzeel Javaid Aini Farooqi, Muhammad Irfan, Xu Zhou, Shulin Pan, Asma Atta and Jiajun Li
Forests 2024, 15(11), 1893; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15111893 - 27 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1486
Abstract
Forests are critical in regulation of carbon and water cycles and mitigation of climate change. Forest water-use efficiency (WUE) refers to the ratio of biomass produced (or assimilated carbon) to the amount of water used by forests, which indicates how effectively a forest [...] Read more.
Forests are critical in regulation of carbon and water cycles and mitigation of climate change. Forest water-use efficiency (WUE) refers to the ratio of biomass produced (or assimilated carbon) to the amount of water used by forests, which indicates how effectively a forest utilizes water to achieve productivity. Climate change and its impact on forest WUE are important research directions that explore the complex relationship between global environmental change and the forest ecosystem dynamics. The global intensification of climate change underscores the need for an inclusive understanding of forest water use and makes it crucial to know how forests balance carbon and water resources, which is essential for effective forest management and predicting ecosystem responses to climate change. This study aims to comprehensively and objectively analyze current research trends and future directions related to the response of forest WUE to climate change. Our database included 1755 research papers from the Web of Science Core Collection, spanning from 2000 to 2023. Our analysis included cooperative networks of countries, authors, and institutions, as well as the most frequently cited journals and articles, keyword co-occurrence analysis, and a keyword burst analysis. The results showed that the top cooperative country, author, and institution is PR China, Prof. Dr. Jesús Julio Camarero from the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, respectively. The leading journal in this field is “Global Change Biology”. Critical research hot topics include gas exchange, modeling, altitudinal gradients, tree growth dynamics, net carbon exchange, global change drivers, tropical forests, nitrogen stoichiometry, Northern China plains, and extreme drought conditions. Frontier topics that have emerged in recent years include studies on China’s Loess Plateau, stable isotopes, radial growth, gross primary productivity, and Scots pine. The insights from this analysis are vital for researchers, decision-makers, and forestry professionals aiming to mitigate the impacts of climate change on forest WUE and overall ecosystem health and resilience. This study emphasizes the importance of sustained research efforts and global research collaboration in addressing the intricate challenges posed by climate change to forest ecosystems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Use Efficiency and Hydraulic Traits of Forest Trees in Changing Environment)
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