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Journal of Environmental Biology

pISSN: 0254-8704 ; eISSN: 2394-0379 ; CODEN: JEBIDP
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    Abstract - Issue Sep 2026, 47 (5)                                     Back


nstantaneous and historical temperature effects on a-pinene

Interaction of rainfall events and atmospheric demand regulates sap velocity in dry-land trees

 

S. Kothari1, A. Perwez2*, M. Sen3, I. Bano1 and S. Bag3       

1Forest Ecology and Climate Change Division, ICFRE-Arid Forest Research Institute (ICFRE-AFRI), Jodhpur-342 005, India

2Extension Division, ICFRE-Arid Forest Research Institute (ICFRE-AFRI), Jodhpur-342 005, India

3Silviculture and Forest Management Division, ICFRE-Arid Forest Research Institute (ICFRE-AFRI), Jodhpur-342 005, India

 

Received: 24 February 2026                   Revised: 14 May 2026                   Accepted: 24 July 2026

*Corresponding Author Email : enviro.atahar@gmail.com                    *ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-1225-1392

 

 

 

Abstract

 

Aim: Understanding how rainfall pulses influence tree water use is essential for interpreting ecohydrological functioning in arid and semi-arid forest ecosystems. This study evaluated summer rain pulse driven changes in sap velocity dynamics of Anogeissus latifolia and Azadirachta indica tree species.

Methodology: Continuous sap velocity measurements were obtained using thermal sap flow sensors installed on mature trees. Sap velocity responses were analysed for immediate (24 hr) and delayed (72 hr) rainfall phases. Statistical analyses included ANOVA and regression modelling of sap velocity with vapour pressure deficit (VPD).

Results: Summer rain pulses significantly increased sap velocity in A. latifolia (F = 16.78, p < 0.001), with mean sap velocity increasing from 0.47 ± 0.33 to 0.64 ± 0.42 cm hr-1. In contrast, A. indica showed no significant response (F = 0.27, p = 0.607). Vapour pressure deficit (VPD) exhibited a weak positive relationship with sap velocity in both species, although atmospheric coupling was substantially stronger in A. indica (R2 = 0.161, p < 0.001) than in A. latifolia (R2 = 0.016, p = 0.011).

Interpretation: Results indicate that phenology and canopy condition strongly regulate tree hydraulic response to rainfall events. Deciduous tree (A. latifolia) exhibited stronger rainfall-driven increase in sap velocity, whereas semi evergreen A. indica maintained comparatively stable transpiration patterns, indicating contrasting hydraulic regulation strategies.

Key words: Ecohydrology, Rainfall pulse, Sap velocity, Semi-arid forests, Transpiration dynamics

 

 

 

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