The DROUGHT-BOX, a new tool for measuring residual transpiration kinetics in trees

Abstract

In the scope of the researches of the SUREAU (Sureté hydraulique et résistance à la sécheresse des arbres) team in the laboratory UMR PIAF (Physique et Physiologie Intégratives de l’Arbre en environnement Fluctuant), a device to measure cinetics of residual perspiration of trees was set out. This perspiration is essential to know the resistance of a plant to drought. A low residual perspiration allows the plant to postpone functional cavitation of vessels. The device is compound of constraint gauge, temperature and relative humidity sensors, heating element, all of these items are connected to a nano-computer (Raspberry Pi) and a micro-controller (Arduino) for the regulation. Piloting and treatment programmes have been created in Python to get cinetics at different temperatures and relative humidity but also with temperature and relative growing and falling humidity ramps to match with cases present outside in the countryside.