Sapflow and Gas Exchange in Plants Under Changing Climate and Environment

Changing climatic and environmental scenarios profoundly impact physiological processes, including plant sap flow and gas exchange. Therefore, comprehending how these factors affect sap flow and gas exchange and quantifying their responses is crucial for predicting climate change impacts on global vegetation and ecosystem services. This chapter synthesizes the multifaceted responses of plants to changing climatic and environmental conditions, focusing on the intricate interplay between sap flow and gas exchange within the historical context of forest ecosystems. Sap flow, the transportation of water and solutes through the plant’s vascular system, and gas exchange, primarily involving photosynthesis and respiration, are central to these adaptations. Sap flow is influenced by various factors such as solar radiation, vapor pressure deficit, temperature, and soil moisture. Conversely, gas exchange, mediated by stomatal conductance, determines the balance between photosynthetic CO2 uptake and transpirational water loss, adjusting under stressors like drought, elevated atmospheric CO2 levels, and temperature. This synthesis of current knowledge underscores the necessity for cross-disciplinary research on tree ecophysiology to strengthen predictions of climate impacts on forests. It emphasizes the importance of informing management strategies to promote adaptation and resilience.