Abstract
Although canopy interception loss (Ic) is a major component of evapotranspiration, there are no studies examining change in Ic according to thinning in Japanese cedar forests. Japanese cedar is the most common type of plantation in Japan. We investigated changes in throughfall (Tf), stemflow (Sf), and Ic according to thinning in a Japanese cedar forest of western Japan. Thinning reduced stem density by 54% and basal area by 50%. The ratios of Tf, Sf, and Ic to precipitation (Pr) (i.e., Tf/Pr, Sf /Pr, and Ic/Pr) before thinning were 74%, 12%, and 14%, respectively. Those after thinning were 86%, 6%, and 8%, respectively. Thus, thinning increased Tf by 12% of Pr and decreased Sf and Ic by 6% of Pr. Further studies examining change in Ic for several years are required for evaluating effects of thinning on Ic.
