MASS LEAF WATER-CONTENT - NONDESTRUCTIVE DETERMINATION IN NATURAL CONDITIONS

Leaf water mass can be determined from thermal response to abrupt chan ges in the energy balance. A previous method was improved by using opt ical fibers and non-intrusive thermal sensors. The new apparatus is po rtable and well adapted for measurements under both controlled and fie ld conditions. An experimental test with several plant species charact erized by contrasting hydric properties showed a good relationship bet ween measurements with the improved instrument and the direct weighing of fresh and dry leaves.