Relationship between stem density and interception ratio for coniferous plantation forests in Japan

Abstract

Summarizing 12 studies examining interception evaporation from coniferous plantation forests in Japan, we found a positive correlation between stem density and interception ratio. Regressing the correlation, we obtained the following equation: interception ratio [%] = 0.00498 × (stem density [stems ha-1])+12.0 (R2 = 0.43). We also examined relationships of interception ratio with annual rainfall, canopy height, and tree species, and found no clear relationships between them. This fact suggests the equation represents the effect of stem density (and leaf area index which varies with stem density) on interception evaporation amounts through changing water storage capacity of the canopy. The equation will be useful for considering change in interception evaporation amounts with forest growth and management.