Size dependency of photosynthetic water- and nitrogen-use efficiency and hydraulic limitation in Acer mono

Abstract

We examined open-grown Acer mono Maxim. trees of different sizes to test the hypotheses that (1) hydraulic limitation increases with tree size, thereby reducing photosynthesis, and (2) photosynthetic water- and nitrogen-use efficiencies change with tree size. Maximum net assimilation rate per unit dry mass was significantly lower in large trees than in small trees, whereas leaf nitrogen concentration increased with tree size. As a consequence, photosynthetic nitrogen-use efficiency decreased with increase in tree size. Photosynthetic water-use efficiency, however, increased with tree size, partly as a result of reduced stomatal conductance. Neither root-to-leaf hydraulic conductance nor minimum leaf water potential changed with tree size.