Kline, J. R.; Stewart, M. L.; Jordan, C. F. 1972. Estimation of biomass and transpiration in coniferous forests using tritiated water. In: Research on coniferous forest ecosystems: first year progress in the coniferous forest biome, US/IBP: Proceedings of a symposium; 1972 March 23-24; Bellingham, WA. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Forest and Range Experiment Station: 159-166.
Nondestructive measurement of biomass and transpiration rates in trees is dependent on a new application ofthe established theory of tracer dynamics in steady state systems. The method utilizes HTO as a tracer for H 0is the plant. Both transpiration and biomass measurements require experimental determination of tritiumJrtivity in the tree as a function of time. Biomass measurement requires one additional parameter—the meansidence time of water in the plant. In this paper we examine various theoretical and experimental alternatives
determining /nean residence limes. Data supporting one alternative is presented. The measurement ofcimducting tissue biomass is also discussed.