Observation of canopy interception loss in an abandoned coniferous plantation

The number of abandoned coniferous plantations has increased greatly in recent year across Japan. However, though evapotranspiration greatly affects on available water resources, no study observing evapotranspiration in abandoned plantations has been reported. We observed canopy interception loss for four years in an abandoned coniferous plantation located in the Kasuya Research Forest of Kyushu University. Our results were compared with those obtained for other coniferous forests. The canopy interception loss ratio (interception loss/precipitation) we obtained was 24.9%. The relationship between stem density and interception ratio has previously reported. Indeed, the value we obtained was nearly that calculated based on that reported relationship; this information would be useful for examining whether the relationship derived from previous interception studies in coniferous plantations holds even for abandoned coniferous plantations.