High-Resolution Analytical Approach to Describe the Sensitivity of Tree-Environment Dependences through Stem Radial Variation

Stem radius variations are remarkably synchronous to weather conditions. Climate fluctuations can forecast the occurrence and severity of environmental disturbance on radial variations, as well as tissue sensitivity and tree growth. Radial variations were detected through dendrometers and were analyzed coupled to environmental conditions to define stem sensitivity in response to experimental (logs in lab) and natural (trees in field) drivers. By using a mathematical approach for the analysis of plant traits and environmental variables, this study aimed at highlighting a methodological framework to analytically unravel the environmental control of stem cycles. A derivative analysis was performed on data derived from experimental measurements, which showed a high degree of agreement between environmental drivers and dendrometer signals. The analytical approach provided information on plant performance in response to environmental variation, removing the confounding effects of different variables. Coding of the dendrometer signal provided a process to quantify stem sensitivity to ambient temperature, to portray synchronicity of time series related to stem radial variations and air temperature events, and to identify time lags of environmental effects on plant traits.