The drought responses of sap flow and transpiration of a Robinia pseudoacacia plantation in the semi-arid Loess Plateau of China

Key Points

• Sap flow and transpiration rates decrease significantly under drought conditions, affecting plant health.
• During drought, transpiration dropped by 40% in Robinia pseudoacacia compared to well-watered plants.
• Analysis of sap flow measurements during various drought phases illustrates plant response mechanisms.
• These findings highlight potential adaptations in plantation forestry amid increasing drought risks.