Abstract
Leaf water potential and other water-related characteristics were compared between trees of thinned and unthinned stands in a Hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) plantation 8 months after thinning to assess the effects of heavy thinning (about 50% of trunk volume) on the water stress of the remaining trees. Predawn leaf water potential was more than - 0.53 MPa in both thinned and unthinned stands, with no marked difference. In addition, comparisons of water potential at the tugor loss point (ψ_w^<tlp>), relative water content (RWC^<tlp>) and osmotic potential at full turgor (ψ_s^<sat>) using the P-V curve method also showed no significant difference between thinned and unthinned stands. Results indicate that after heavy thinning, remaining trees are not subjected to high water stress.
