Theses and Dissertations
ORCID
0009-0004-0939-1113
Advisor
Siegert, Courtney
Committee Member
Polinko, Adam
Committee Member
Dowtin, Asia
Date of Degree
8-12-2026
Original embargo terms
Immediate Worldwide Access
Document Type
Graduate Thesis - Open Access
Major
Forestry
Degree Name
Master of Science (M.S.)
College
College of Forest Resources
Department
Department of Forestry
Abstract
Forest canopy partitioning influences the movement and redistribution of precipitation, with bark serving as a critical interface regulating water storage and stemflow yield. This study quantified bark morphological and hydrological traits across six common southeastern United States tree species and evaluated their influence on stemflow yield. Significant interspecific differences were observed in bark thickness, bulk density, total porosity, bark water storage capacity (BWSC), and absolute hygroscopicity. Bulk density was positively related to BWSC and absolute hygroscopicity, whereas total porosity was negatively related to both traits. Despite substantial variation in bark properties, none of the measured bark traits consistently predicted stemflow yield. Instead, stemflow differed strongly among species, with Carya tomentosa producing the greatest yield. These findings suggest that bark morphology influences water storage dynamics but does not independently regulate stemflow yield, highlighting the importance of species-specific structural characteristics beyond the observed bark traits.
Recommended Citation
Arnold, Max, "Examining bark water storage as a function of morphology and subsequent impacts on stemflow yield in a mixed hardwood stand" (2026). Theses and Dissertations. 7092.
https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/td/7092
