This document discusses an experiment measuring the impact of nutrient additions on sap flux in hardwood trees. The objectives are to determine if adding nitrogen, phosphorus, or calcium affects sap flux and to compare sap flux between species of red maple, sugar maple, and white birch. The experimental design involves measuring sap flux in nine trees per plot and three trees per species across control and treatment plots using the Granier method. Preliminary results found high tree-to-tree variability that may be masking any treatment effects. This year's study aims to account for covariates like diameter and better instrumentation to improve measurements.

1. Going with the flow: is
tree water use affected
by nutrient availability?
Arianna Libenson
Mentors:Alex Rice, Mariann Johnston
and RuthYanai

2. 1.Determine if the addition of N, P, or Ca has any
impact on sap flux in hardwood trees.
2.Compare sap flux amongst species of red
maple, sugar maple, and white birch.
Objectives
Experimental Design
• HB mid, 9 trees per plot, 3 per species
• Granier method

3. Previous Results
• Are we unable to detect a treatment effect due to
extreme tree-to-tree variability???
Con N P NP Ca
Daily Sum of Sap Flux
SapFlux(gH2O/m2sapwood/day)
Treatment
• C8
• 2017
• 1 observation point
per tree
Graph byAlex Rice

4. This year…
• Covariates: diameter at crown base (DCB) and DBH
• HB Ca plot, last wollastonite addition in 2015
• Better drilling!!!
• Does anyone want to help move batteries into our HB plots?!