Soil respiration and soil CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> concentration in a tropical forest,Thailand

Soil respiration and soil carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentration were investigated in a tropical monsoon forest in northern Thailand, from 1998 to 2000. Soil respiration was relatively high during the rainy season and low during the dry season, although interannual fluctuations were large. Soil moisture was widely different between the dry and wet seasons, while soil temperature changed little throughout the year. As a result, the rate of soil respiration is determined predominantly by soil moisture, not by soil temperature. The roughly estimated annual soil respiration rate was 2560gCm^–2year^–1. The soil CO₂ concentration also increased in the rainy season and decreased in the dry season, and showed clearer seasonality than soil respiration did.     

Effects of a nursery CO2 enriched atmosphere on the germination and seedling morphology of two Mediterranean oaks with contrasting leaf habit

The use of an enriched CO₂ atmosphere in tree nurseries has been envisaged as a promising technique to increase productivity and to obtain seedlings with a higher root/shoot ratio, an essential trait to respond to water stress in Mediterranean-type ecosystems. In that framework, we have analyzed the effects of three levels of atmospheric CO₂ concentration (350, 500 and 700ppm) on the germination rate, growth and morphology of seedlings of two Mediterranean oaks used in reforestation programs: the evergreen Quercus ilex L. and the deciduous Quercus cerrioides Wilk. et Costa. CO₂ enrichment increased the germination rate of Q. cerrioides (from 70±7 to 81±3%) while it decreased that of Q. ilex (from 71±10 to 41±12%). Seedlings of both species increased approximately 60% their total biomass in response to CO₂ enrichment but at two different CO₂ concentrations: 500ppm for Q. cerrioides and 700ppm for Q. ilex. This increase in seedlings biomass was entirely due to an augmentation of root biomass. Considering germination and biomass partitioning, an enriched CO₂ atmosphere might not be appropriate for growing Mediterranean evergreen oaks, such as Q. ilex, since it reduces acorn germination and the only gains in root biomass occur at a high concentration (700ppm). On the other hand, a moderate CO₂ enrichment (500ppm) appears as a promising nursery technique to stimulate the germination, growth and root/shoot ratio of deciduous oaks, such as Q. cerrioides.     

Cost, energy and carbon dioxide (CO2) effectiveness of a harvesting and transporting system for residual forest biomass

The purpose of this study is to examine the feasibility of a system to harvest logging residues (or slashes) as a new resource for energy in Japan. A harvesting and transporting system for residual forest biomass was constructed with reference to some European countries where the utilization of bioenergy is making steady progress and examined on the basis of field experiments in Japanese forestry. The feasibility of the system is discussed from the standpoints of cost and energy, and the system is compared with those of the European countries. With respect to the system proposed in this study, it is desirable that the process of chipper comminuting is incorporated into the system as early as possible, considering the trends of harvesting cost and fuel consumption per unit weight of residual forest biomass. Such a system is not particularly feasible in Japan from the standpoint of the harvesting cost per MWh of bioenergy. However, no specific problems are found from the point of view of the energy input rate, and it is clarified that it is possible for Japan to reduce domestic carbon dioxide emissions by utilizing biomass as an energy resource. A comparison with the European countries and a preliminary sensitivity analysis of the system demonstrate that the technical development to reduce the harvesting cost,e.g., improving the forwarding and transporting efficiency, and support from the government are essential for realizing bioenergy utilization in Japan. A part of this paper was orally presented at the 111th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Forestry Society (2000). JSPS Research Fellow. This study was supported in part by a Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research from the Japan Ministry of Education, Science and Culture (No. 10460061).     

Estimation of the biomass of fine roots and mycorrhizal fungi: a case study in a Japanese red pine (Pinus densiflora) stand

As part of a study on soil carbon flow in forest ecosystems, the biomass of fine roots (2.0mm in diameter) and root-associated fungi, including ectomycorrhizal fungi, were estimated in the summer season in 1998 at a Pinus densiflora (Japanese red pine) stand in western Japan. Fine roots of pine were classified into three categories: class I roots (0.5–2.0mm in diameter), long class II roots (long roots with diameter 0.5mm; II_L), and short class II roots (short roots with diameter 0.5mm; II_S). Total biomass of fine roots (I + II_L + II_S) at this stand was estimated to be 91.0gm^–2, about 23% of which was class II roots (II_L + II_S). Ergosterol, which is a component of fungal membranes, was analyzed to estimate the biomass of root-associated fungi in roots. In the upper soil layers (from the surface to 13.4cm in depth), ergosterol contents in the class I, II_L and II_S roots were in the ranges 43.1–82.2, 126.1–196.3 and 271.2–321.0µgg^–1 root DW, respectively. The ergosterol content was converted to fungal biomass using the median (minimum–maximum) value of ergosterol concentration reported for ectomycorrhizal fungi. Root-associated fungal biomass in this stand was estimated to be 2.0 (0.5–9.6) gm^–2. The data suggest the biomass of ectomycorrhizal fungi in the P. densiflora stand is small compared with that in other forest ecosystems.     

Interception of photosynthetic photon flux density in a mangrove stand of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Kandelia candel</Emphasis> (L.) Druce

The canopy structure and interception of photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) in a 10-year-old Kandelia candel (L.) Druce stand were investigated before and after artificial defoliation. Leaf and wood areas for different layers were measured through area–weight relationships of subsamples. PPFD was measured at specified heights before and after leaf clipping. The leaf area index (LAI) and wood area index (WAI) were 4.501m²m^–2 and 1.412m²m^–2, respectively. There was a strong linear relationship between the cumulative wood area © and leaf area (F) densities from the top down to a given depth of the canopy, C = aF (r ² = 0.950), with a proportional constant a of 0.096 ± 0.008 (mean ± SE). The PPFD relative to that above the canopy (relative PPFD; I _R) at a given depth of the canopy was assumed to be given by the equation I _R = e^–(KCC+KFF ) = e^–KF , where the apparent light extinction coefficient K (= K _F + aK _C , where K _F and K _C are respectively the light extinction coefficient of leaves and woody organs) was calculated to be 0.502 ± 0.041 (mean ± SE) m^–2m² before leaf clipping. After leaf clipping, I _RC = e^–KCC is satisfied. As a result, the value of K _C was estimated to be 0.785 ± 0.046 (mean ± SE) m^–2m². The light extinction coefficient of leaves K _F was calculated to be 0.427m^–2m² using the indirect method, K _F = K – aK _C, and 0.432 ± 0.026 (mean ± SE) m^–2m² using the direct method, I _R/I _RC = e^–KFF . Of the total PPFD intercepted by the canopy, the fraction K _F/K due to leaves alone was estimated to be 85.0%–86.1% and the rest was contributed by woody organs.     

Gas exchange characteristics of the tropical mangrove, Pelliciera rhizophoreae

Photosynthetic characteristics were investigated in the geographically isolated and restricted mangrove species, P.rhizophoreae. Gas exchange measurements were made on two to seven years old hydroponically grown plants maintained in 10%, 50% and 100% seawater. CO₂ exchange in the 50% and 100% seawater treatments was reduced by 10% and 26%, respectively, compared to the 10% seawater treatment. CO₂ response curves indicated that carboxylation efficiency was greater in 10% than in 50% seawater, while stomatal limitation increased from 11% to 16% as salinity increased from 10% to 50% seawater. Carbon losses via photorespiration (31% and 41%) and CO₂ compensation point (67 and 8111^–1) were greater in 50% than in the 10% seawater treatment. Maximal CO₂ exchange occurred at 30°C with no differences among the salinity treatments. The results indicate that P. rhizophoreae exhibits many gas exchange characteristics previously reported for other mangroves.     

Preservative treatment of wood-based composites with 3-iodo-2-propynyl butylcarbamate using supercritical carbon dioxide impregnation

Five structural-use wood-based composites [medium density fiberboard (MDF), hardwood plywood, softwood plywood, particleboard, oriented strand board (OSB)] were treated with 3-iodo-2-propynyl butylcarbamate (IPBC) using supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO₂) as a carrier solvent. Treatment was conducted at 35°C/7.85MPa (80kgf/cm²), 35°C/9.81MPa (100kgf/cm²), 35°C/11.77MPa (120kgf/cm²), 45°C/7.85MPa, 45°C/9.81MPa, 45°C/11.77MPa, 55°C/7.85MPa, 55°C/9.81MPa, and 55°C/11.77MPa. A decay test was carried out in the laboratory according to the modified Japanese standard method in which untreated and treated specimens were exposed for 12 weeks to a monoculture of the white-rot fungus Trametes versicolor (L.: Fr.) Pilat or the brown-rot fungus Fomitopsis palustris (Berk. et Curt.) Gilbn. and Ryv. IPBC/SC-CO₂ treatment protected the treated materials from decay by the two fungi, although the relative efficiency against decay varied with the treatment conditions and the type of wood-based composite. Better performance for MDF, hardwood plywood, and particleboard was generally obtained at high temperatures and pressures, whereas softwood plywood and OSB were most protected at low temperatures under any of the pressure levels tested.Part of this work was presented at the 52nd Annual Meeting of the Japan Wood Research Society, Gifu, April 2002     

Carbon dioxide price from which an afforestation interest rate becomes maximum in each cutting age: loblolly pine in southeast Georgia, USA

In this study, a forestry profit model for carbon dioxide (CO₂) emission trading was constructed using southeast Georgia, USA, as the model area. The value of CO₂ credits regarding forest stores of carbon was calculated using the stock changing method, the average storing method, the ton-year method, and the returning CO₂ credit method. Based on this model, the CO₂ price at which an afforestation interest rate reaches its maximum in each 5-year interval at a cutting age of 10–50 years was calculated, considering the influence on the cutting age by introducing emission trading. The cutting age at which an afforestation interest rate reaches its maximum was 32 years. The cutting age shortened with the rise of CO₂ price in all four accounting methods. Assuming the dealing CO₂ price, we can forecast what the present cutting age will be according to the stock changing method and the average storing method in regard to this model. Assuming this CO₂ price and using the ton-year method and the returning CO₂ credit method, we can forecast that the present cutting age is not going to change.     

Manufacture and properties of low-density binderless particleboard from kenaf core

Low-density binderless particleboards from kenaf core were successfully developed using steam injection pressing. The target board density ranged from 0.10 to 0.30g/cm³, the steam pressure used was 1.0MPa, and the steam treatment times were 7 and 10min. The mechanical properties, dimensional stability, and thermal and sound insulation performances of the boards were investigated. The results showed that the low-density kenaf binderless particleboards had good mechanical properties and dimensional stability relative to their low board densities. The board of 0.20g/cm³ density with a 10-min treatment time produced the following values: modulus of rupture 1.1MPa, modulus of elasticity 0.3GPa, internal bond strength 0.10MPa, thickness swelling in 24h water immersion 6.6%, and water absorption 355%. The thermal conductivity of the low-density kenaf binderless particleboards showed values similar to those of insulation material (i.e., rock wool), and the sound absorption coefficient was high. In addition, the boards are free from formaldehyde emission. Kenaf core appears to be a potential raw material for low-density binderless panels suitable for sound absorption and thermally resistant interior products.Part of this report was presented at the 52th Annual Meeting of the Japan Wood Research Society, Gifu, Japan, April 2002     

Development of the IRGA enclosed-chamber system for soil CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> efflux measurement and its application to a spatial variation measurement

A new system was developed for measuring soil CO₂ efflux. The chamber in this system contains a small infrared CO₂ gas analyzer. This system does not need air tubes or pumps for circulating air, so it is expected to offer the advantages of mobility and durability. This system was verified by a comparison with measurements made by using a closed-dynamic-chamber (CDC) system. The spatial variation in the soil CO₂ efflux in a broadleaved deciduous forest was measured using the new system. The soil CO₂ efflux at sampling locations 50–70cm apart varied within a range of 60%–150%. This variation was smaller than the variation due to differences in soil characteristic reflected in different moisture conditions, etc.     

Toxicity index and the time taken to incapacitate mice under combustion gases of burning wooden materials

The purpose of this study was to investigate the toxicity of combustion gases from burning wooden materials. The toxicant index and mice exposure experiment were used to evaluate the toxicity index. The time taken to incapacitate mice under the impact of burning 19 solid wood species and 7 kinds of plywood were investigated. The results showed that the toxicity index of burning solid wood ranged from 1.5 to 2.5, and its main toxicant was CO₂. The toxicant index of burning plywood was higher, ranging from 3.0 to 6.0, and its main toxicity was NO_x. A good correlation was observed between the time taken to incapacitate mice (Xs) and the weight loss rate of burning solid wood. When the concentration of CO was higher than 1% in the exposure chamber, the mice stopped their activity within 2min. The time taken to incapacitate mice (Xs) and the minimum concentration of O₂ in the exposure chamber could be represented by a positive linear regression formula. The concentrations of O₂ and CO₂ exhibited a positive effect and the concentration of CO had a negative effect on the Xs values of mice.Part of this paper was presented at the 52nd Annual Meeting of the Japan Wood Research Society, Gifu, April 2002     

The applicability of a color acetate film for estimating photosynthetic photon flux density in a forest understory

The suitability of a color acetate film for estimating photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) in a forest understory was examined. The fading ratio of the film (F), the total PPFD (PPFD_total) to which the film was exposed, and the average daily maximum temperature during exposure (T) were obtained from measurements at multiple sampling points throughout an entire year within a natural secondary forest (n = 42). The ranges of the recorded values were as follows: F 35%–99%, PPFD_total 1.4–28.3molm^–2, and T 6°–32°C. PPFD_total was regressed by F and T with a high r ² (=0.94; P < 0.0001): PPFD_total = (100 – F)/(1.085 + 0.051T). The absolute error (|estimated PPFD_total – measured PPFD_total|) averaged 1.3molm^–2 with a maximum of 5.7molm^–2, indicating a good fit. These results indicated broad applicability of the film, both spatially and temporally, for estimating forest understory PPFD.     

Rapid predictions of cold tolerance in Douglas-fir seedlings using chlorophyll fluorescence after freezing

Chlorophyll fluorescence measurements were performed on the foliage of 3-year-old (11/2+11/2) nursery-grown Douglas-fir [Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco] seedlings after exposure to controlled freezing temperatures, in the laboratory, to assess low temperature tolerance. The seedlings were propagated in an Irish nursery and lifted at monthly intervals overwinter 1999 and 1999–2000. Excised shoots from first-order laterals were frozen, in the dark. After freezing, needles were immediately assessed using chlorophyll fluorescence. The excised shoots were then maintained under controlled conditions for 14 days and visually assessed for needle damage. The chlorophyll fluorescence parameter, F _v/F _m, accurately predicted cold hardiness and was linearly related to visual needle damage and short-term survival. An equation was constructed using F _v/F _m data for determining the LT₅₀, that is, the freeze temperature causing 50% seedling damage. The predictions of F.LT₅₀ (fluorescence-based empirical determination of LT₅₀) have been tested over two seasons (i.e., against a second independent data set) with variability between 0 and 1.8°C of visual estimates, though predictions were often 1.1°C of the visual assessment. This approach provided a simple, rapid and accurate prediction of cold tolerance, under climatic conditions where in situ measurements are unreliable. The method can be used to predict if Douglas-fir seedlings have developed sufficient tolerance for lifting to the cold-store, or for planting.     

Estimating individual tree heights of sugi (Cryptomeria japonica D. Don) plantations in mountainous areas using small-footprint airborne LiDAR

Recently, it was shown that individual tree heights could be accurately estimated using small-footprint airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) remote sensing. Because most of the areas studied previously were limited to flat terrain, we investigated the accuracy of LiDAR-derived individual tree height estimates for different types of topographical features in mountainous forests with a steeper and more complex topography. Several middle-aged (40–50 years old) sugi (Cryptomeria japonica D. Don) plantations are found in the mountainous regions in Japan; hence, we chose 48-year-old sugi plantations to investigate the accuracy of these estimates. The surveyed area was divided into three types of topographical features; steep slope (mean slope ± SD; 37.6° ± 5.8°), gentle slope (15.6° ± 3.7°), and gentle yet rough terrain (16.8° ± 7.8°). Before estimating tree heights, the number of detected trees within each topographical feature was researched. In each of these terrains, the percentage of trees detected correctly was 74%, 86%, and 92%; the average error between LiDAR-derived and field-measured tree heights was 0.227m, –0.473m, and –0.183m; and the accuracy of the LiDAR-derived tree height estimates, given as root mean square error (RMSE), was 0.901m, 0.846m, and 0.576m, respectively. Consequently, the procedure presented in this study could detect most canopy trees and estimate individual tree heights with an accuracy better than 1m, even in a forest with a mean slope angle of approximately 38°; thus, indicating that small-footprint airborne LiDAR will be a useful tool for accurately estimating the heights of individual canopy trees in sugi plantations in mountainous areas.     

Water circulation, groundwater outflow and nutrient dynamics in Mida creek, Kenya

The relationship between physical hydrodynamic processes and nutrients dynamics was investigated in Mida creek, a groundwater influenced mangrovefringed creek in Kenya between March 1996 and May 1997. The research involved spot and timeseries measurement of nitrate–nitrite, ammonia, silicates, phosphates, salinity, temperature, sealevel as well as tidal currents at seven stations located in the front, middle and backwater zones of the creek. Groundwater level as well as total dissolved solids' concentration, salinity, temperature and nutrients' concentration were also measured once every month in shallow wells (watertable<5m) located in the upper region of the creek. Results of the study show that nutrient concentrations vary with the tide and that, though there is no river drainage, they are of the same magnitude as in mangrove creeks with substantial river runoff. The peak concentrations of NH ₄ ⁺ –N (5.45M), NO ₂ –NO ₃ (5.63M), PO ₄ ^3– –P (0.58M) and SiO ₃ ^2– –Si (81.36M) in the creek occurred during flood tide, 2–3h before high waters. The (NO ₂ ^– + NO ₃ ^– )–N concentrations declined rapidly during ebb tide, reaching the minimum levels during low water. Contribution of groundwater seepage to the net nutrients flux (particularly on nitrite–nitrates) is largest in dry seasons. The study shows that groundwater outflow sustains the mangroves during periods of severe salinity stress and nutrients deficiency in dry seasons. This is essentially by limiting salinity increase and by boosting nutrient supply in dry seasons.     

The effect of afforestation on soil carbon dioxide emissions in blanket peatland in Ireland

We studied the effect of afforestation on soil CO₂ emissionsin blanket peat. The study sites were as follows: two undrainedblanket peatland sites, six sites which had been drained andafforested 3, 19, 23, 27, 33 and 39 years previously, and twoforest sites which were clearfelled in summer 1996. Soil CO₂emissions were measured using the soda-lime method during 13sampling campaigns throughout 1997. Each campaign consistedof two consecutive 24-h measurements. Comparison of the averageannual CO₂ emission revealed no clear pattern in relation tosoil type and suggests that afforestation does not always leadto an increase in soil CO₂ emissions. In the most recently forestedsite, CO₂ emissions were 1.7 t C ha^–1 a^–1 and drainagehad failed to lower the water-table sufficiently to cause alarge increase in CO₂ emissions. In the 19-, 23-, 27- and 33-year-oldsites soil CO₂ emissions were 1.0–1.4 t C ha^–1 a^–1and were similar to, or lower than, levels in the undrainedsites. In the 39-year-old site average CO₂ emissions were 2.6t C ha^–1 a^–1. In the clearfelled sites CO₂ emissionswere lower at between 1.4 and 1.6 t C ha^–1 a^–1.Root respiration appears to account for a large proportion ofCO₂ emissions, and blanket peat, despite drainage, is resistantto decay. It is concluded that losses of soil C are compensatedby C uptake by the trees.     

Studies on hypersaline-tolerant white-rot fungi IV: effects of Mn 2+ and NH 4 + on manganese peroxidase production and Poly R-478 decolorization by the marine isolate Phlebia sp. MG-60 under saline conditions

Manganese peroxidase (MnP) production by Phlebia sp. MG-60 is strongly regulated by Mn²⁺ and NH₄⁺ at various sea salt incubation conditions. Extra-added Mn²⁺ and NH₄⁺ obviously inhibited MnP production, but sea salts relieved the inhibition partially or completely. Three media were prepared: Kirk medium with addition of 0%–5% sea salts (KS medium), a high level of Mn²⁺ (300mg/l) in KS medium (HM-KS medium), and a high level of NH₄⁺ (430mg/l) in KS medium (HN-KS medium). Without addition of sea salts, the dye Poly R-478 was significantly decolorized by low MnP activity (about 200U/l) and a low level of laccase activity (about 100U/l) in KS and HM-KS media. In the cultures in which laccase activity was almost completely inhibited by 3% and 5% sea salts, MnP activity higher than 400U/l was necessary for Poly R-478 decolorization in all of the three media. We first report the linear correlation of MnP activity and decolorization of Poly R-478 under saline conditions and the effect of laccase on this relation.     

Carbon sequestration capability of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fagus sylvatica</Emphasis> forests developing in the Majella National Park (Central Apennines,Italy)

Terrestrial ecosystems represent a major sink for atmospheric carbon (C) and temperate forests play an important role in global C cycling, contributing to lower atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentration through photosynthesis. The Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change highlights that the forestry sector has great potential to decrease atmospheric CO₂ concentration compared to other sectoral mitigation activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate CO₂ sequestration (CO₂S) capability of Fagus sylvatica (beech) growing in the Orfento Valley within Majella National Park (Abruzzo, Italy). We compared F. sylvatica areas subjected to thinning (one high-forest and one coppice) and no-management areas (two high-forests and two coppices). The results show a mean CO₂S of 44.3 ± 2.6 Mg CO₂ ha^?1 a^?1, corresponding to 12.1 ± 0.7 Mg C ha^?1 a^?1 the no-managed areas having a 28% higher value than the managed areas. The results highlight that thinning that allows seed regeneration can support traditional management practices such as civic use in some areas while no management should be carried out in the reserve in order to give priority to the objective of conservation and naturalistic improvement of the forest heritage.     

Sapling architecture and growth in the co-occurring species Castanopsis cuspidata and Quercus glauca in a secondary forest in western Japan

This study quantitatively compared the sapling (height 62–289cm) architecture and growth of Castanopsis cuspidata and Quercus glauca, both of which are major components in the temperate zone of western Japan, under shaded light conditions in secondary forest. When the sapling architectures were compared at the same support mass (trunk + branch mass), C. cuspidata had a larger crown area but a smaller height gain than did Q. glauca owing to the allocation of more biomass to lateral branches in C. cuspidata. The above-ground relative growth rate (RGR) of C. cuspidata (0.442gg^–1 year^–1) was nearly twice that of Q. glauca (0.256gg^–1year^–1), primarily as a result of a greater total leaf area per above-ground biomass (LAR) in C. cuspidata (56cm²g^–1) as compared to Q. glauca (33cm²g^–1). Because it has a disadvantage in height gain, related to its allocation pattern of biomass, C. cuspidata realized the same height growth (RGR_H) as Q. glauca, despite the large biomass production. The great potential for photosynthesis in C. cuspidata, which results from its vigorous lateral spreading, is presumed to give it a long-term advantage over Q. glauca in the shaded forest understory. Q. glauca invests preferentially in trunk biomass, possibly giving it an advantage in sunny sites as opposed to a shaded forest understory.     

Dry mass production,allocation patterns and water use efficiency of two conifers with different water use strategies under elevated [CO<Subscript>2</Subscript>], warming and drought conditions

Knowledge regarding the interactive effects of elevated [CO₂], warming and drought on dry mass production, allocation and water use efficiency (WUE) of tree seedlings is limited, particularly in trees exhibiting different stomatal regulation strategies. Seedlings of Callitris rhomboidea (relatively anisohydric) and Pinus radiata (relatively isohydric) were grown in two [CO₂] (C_a (400 μmol mol^?1) and C_e (640 μmol mol^?1)) and two temperature (T_a (ambient) and T_e (ambient?+?4 °C)) treatments in a sun-lit glasshouse under well-watered conditions prior to imposition of the drought. C_e increased mass production in C. rhomboidea (but not in P. radiata), while drought limited mass production in both species. Mass production was greatest in the combination of C_e, T_e and well-watered conditions. Pinus radiata allocated relatively more dry mass into roots and had higher plant WUE than C. rhomboidea. Noticeably, mass allocation patterns in C. rhomboidea varied as a function of the treatments, but those of P. radiata were constant. C_e enhanced leaf WUE of both species, but to a greater degree under drought stress than well-watered conditions. Moderate drought stress increased both leaf and plant WUE compared to well-watered conditions. C. rhomboidea exhibited plasticity to variable climate conditions through morphological adjustments, while P. radiata exhibited a highly conservative strategy. Collectively, these findings indicate that the two species have different strategies in resource acquisition and utilisation under changing environmental conditions. Future studies on tree response to climate change need to fully consider the integration of species traits, including stomatal behaviour and hydraulic strategies.