Using fibre-optic sensing for non-invasive, continuous dendrometry of mature tree trunks

Abstract

Dendrometry is the main non-invasive macroscopic technique commonly used in plant physiology and ecophysysiology studies. Over the years several types of dendrometric techniques have been developed, each with their respective strengths and drawbacks. Automatic and continuous monitoring solutions are being developed, but are still limited, particularly for non-invasive monitoring of large-diameter trunks. In this study, we propose a new type of automated dendrometer based on distributed fibre-optic sensing that continuously measures the change in stem circumference, is non-invasive, and has no upper limit on the trunk diameter on which it can be installed. We perform a three-month validation experiment during which we deploy a fibre-optic cable at three localities around the trunks of two specimens of Brachychiton . We verify the accuracy of this new method through comparison against a conventional point-dendrometer, and we observe a consistent time lag between the various measurement locations that varies with the meteorological conditions. Finally, we discuss the feasibility of the fibre-based dendrometer in the context of existing dendrometric techniques and practical experimental considerations.

Plant phenotyping relevance

植物幹周を連続測定する新規光ファイバー式デンドロメータを開発し、従来法との比較で精度検証しており、表現型取得法が研究の中心である。

Code and data availability

The supplied blocks contain no data availability, code availability, or repository statements. The paper describes DSTS dendrometry measurements and an analytic-signal processing workflow, but no public dataset, code, or model deposit is mentioned; meteorological data come from Météo-France (external, not paper-derived

No evidence-backed public reproduction asset is currently recorded.