Potential difference in trunks of silver birch (Betula pendula Roth): features of relaxation processes at changes in ambient temperature

Abstract

The daily dynamics of the potential difference arising in the wood of the trunk of the hanging birch (Betula pendula Roth) at ambient temperature changes makes it possible to simulate the dynamics of the processes of redistribution of salt ions in the pores. An analysis of the results of measuring the potential difference in the wood of the model tree trunk showed that its dynamics is of a relaxation nature and tends to a certain stationary value. On the basis of the data of full-scale measurements of the potential difference in the framework of classical electrodynamics, a formalized model of the dynamics of the relative potential difference was constructed, containing three parameters. As a result of a computational experiment using an optimization procedure based on the Nash-Sutcliffe criterion, the parameters of the relaxation process of formation of a stable potential difference along the birch trunk caused by a change in the ambient temperature were calculated. It was revealed that the dynamic balance of the charge redistribution flows is determined by the factors of stimulating and stabilizing processes inside the trunks of woody plants. It is shown that a competent combination of the results of monitoring the potential difference in tree trunks and a computational experiment will make it possible to form an extensive database of parameters for the processes of formation of a stable dynamic equilibrium of salt ion fluxes in them, depending on the characteristics of growth, daily and seasonal changes in ambient temperature and soil composition. The study of changes in the state of trees due to the response to the impact of various environmental factors makes it possible to expand the range of tools for predicting the occurrence of catastrophic situations in forest ecosystems.