Measurements

The range of user-specific choices (e.g., parameter values) applied during data processing between studies represents a key challenge for homogenising and synthesising time-series measurements, among others. Common techniques used within forest ecology and eco-physiology include; tree ring, sap flow, dendrometer, wood anatomical and eddy covariance data analysis. Proper usage of state-of-the-art techniques in processing such data can support robust conclusions about the state of the forest water and carbon cycle and how these are affected by climate change. Here we provide step-by-step examples of several data-processing techniques required for obtaining relevant and reproducible output variables.

Tutorials

Sectoral analyses of radial growth profiles (SECTOR)

We introduce SECTOR, an R script capable of applying a sectoral approach, where wood anatomical measurements obtained from ROXAS are automatically assigned to a specified sector (or bin), accounting for the ring shape and rotation. SECTOR also allows for automatically providing intra-annual data on key wood anatomical parameters, while correcting for gaps in the area of interest (i.e., caused by cracks due to cutting).
Last updated on Nov 24, 2020 18 min read Measurements
Sectoral analyses of radial growth profiles (SECTOR)

Using RAPTOR (Row and Position Tracheid Organizer in R)

RAPTOR analyses wood cell anatomical data on spatially-explicit xylem (tracheids) datasets derived from thin sections of woody tissue. The package includes functions for visualisation, detection and alignment of continuous tracheid radial file (defined as rows) and individual tracheid position within an annual ring of coniferous species. This package is designed to be used with elaborate cell output.
Last updated on Nov 23, 2020 16 min read Measurements
Using RAPTOR (Row and Position Tracheid Organizer in R)

Using TREX for reproducible and multi-method sap flow quantification

TREX assimilate, process and analyse sap flow data from the thermal dissipation method (TDM). We showcase its features and introduce how to generate method comparisons and uncertainty assessments.
Last updated on Nov 23, 2020 17 min read Measurements
Using TREX for reproducible and multi-method sap flow quantification

Using treenetproc to assimilate continuous dendrometer data

treenetproc cleans, processes and visualises highly resolved time series of dendrometer data by aligning data to regular time intervals and removing conspicious measurements. Growth characteristics are also easily calculated.
Last updated on Nov 21, 2020 17 min read Measurements
Using treenetproc to assimilate continuous dendrometer data