Water content, hydraulic conductivity, and ice formation in winter stems of Pinus contorta: a TDR case study

Abstract

Stem water content, ice fraction, and losses in xylem conductivity were monitored from November 1996 to October 1997 in an even-aged stand of Pinus contorta (lodgepole pine) near Potlatch, Idaho, USA. A time domain reflectometry (TDR) probe was used to continuously monitor stem water contents and ice fractions. Stem sapwood water contents measured with TDR were not different from water contents measured gravimetrically. The liquid water content of stems ranged from 0.70 m³ m^–3 to 0.20 m³ m^–3 associated with freezing and thawing of the wood tissue. Ice fraction of the stem varied from 0–75% during the winter suggesting liquid water was always present even at ambient temperatures below –20°C. Shoot xylem tensions decreased through the winter to a minimum of ca. –1.4 MPa in February then increased to –0.4 MPa in May. Shoot xylem tensions decreased during the growing season reaching –1.7 MPa by September. Annually, low shoot water potentials were not correlated to decreases in stem hydraulic conductivity. Xylem conductivity decreased due to cavitation through the winter and was 70% of summer values by March. Decreases in xylem conductivity were correlated to low shoot water potentials and cumulative freezing and thawing events within the xylem. Xylem conductivity increased to pre-winter values by May and no reductions in xylem conductivity were observed during the growing season.