Stand-scale transpiration estimates in a Moso bamboo forest: (I) Applicability of sap flux measurements

The applicability of sap flux (Fd) measurements to bamboo forests has not been studied. This study was undertaken to establish an optimal and effective design for stand-scale transpiration (E) estimates in a Moso bamboo forest. To this aim, we validated Fd measurements in Moso bamboos in a cut bamboo experiment. In addition, we analyzed how sample sizes affect the reliability of E estimates calculated from Fd and conducting culm area (AS_b). In the cut bamboo experiments, we found that Fd measurement using a 10 mm probe was a valid means of determining the water-use behavior of a Moso bamboo, although a specific correction was needed. Furthermore, we calculated E from stand AS_b (AS_stand) and mean stand Fd (JS). Employing Monte Carlo analysis, we examined potential errors associated with sample size in E, AS_stand, and JS using an original dataset with AS_b and Fd measured for 40 and 16 individuals, respectively. Consequently, we determined the optimal sample size for both AS_stand and JS estimates as 11. The optimal sample sizes for JS were almost the same under different vapor pressure deficit and soil moisture conditions. The optimal sample size for JS at the study site was less than that of a coniferous plantation in the same region probably owing to small individual-to-individual variations in sap flux in the Moso bamboo forest. Our study concludes that sap flux measurements are an applicable technique for assessing water use in Moso bamboo forests.