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The contribution of understorey vegetation to ecosystem evapotranspiration in boreal and temperate forests: a literature review and analysis

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Abstract

In the context of increasing heat periods and recurrence of droughts, and thus higher soil water depletion, we explored and quantified the role of understorey vegetation in ecosystem evapotranspiration in boreal and temperate forests. We reviewed and analysed about 200 papers that explicitly gave figures of understorey vegetation evapotranspiration relative to different stand features and traits. Understorey vegetation accounted on average for one-third of total ecosystem evapotranspiration during the growing season. Overstorey leaf area index (LAI) is the main variable that drives understorey evapotranspiration through radiation interception. Most data show that below an overstorey LAI of 2–3, the contribution of the understorey vegetation to ecosystem evapotranspiration increases exponentially, following the exponential increase of the climatic demand, i.e. potential evapotranspiration. Different factors have the potential to modulate this effect such as species composition and phenology, root distribution, and interaction with droughts. Consequently, managers must be aware that depending on understorey species present on site and stand structure, understorey vegetation can contribute significantly to a negative stand water balance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. INRAE, Université Clermont Auvergne, UMR 547 PIAF, 63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France

    Philippe Balandier

  2. INRAE, UMR 0588 BIOFORA, 45075, Orléans, France

    Rémy Gobin

  3. INRAE, Université Aix-Marseille, UMR RECOVER, 13182, Aix-en-Provence, France

    Bernard Prévosto

  4. INRAE, UR EFNO Ecosystèmes Forestiers, 45290, Nogent-sur-Vernisson, France

    Nathalie Korboulewsky

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  1. Philippe Balandier
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  2. Rémy Gobin
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  3. Bernard Prévosto
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  4. Nathalie Korboulewsky
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Correspondence to Philippe Balandier.

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Balandier, P., Gobin, R., Prévosto, B. et al. The contribution of understorey vegetation to ecosystem evapotranspiration in boreal and temperate forests: a literature review and analysis. Eur J Forest Res 141, 979–997 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10342-022-01505-0

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