Fitting rectangles under vulnerability curves: Optimal water flow through plants. (3rd September 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Koshkin, Sergiy; Tobin, Michael; Schroff, Jeffae; Capobianco, Matt; Oldfield, Sarah
• Other Names: Aguiar Jesus Vigo guestEditor.; Rubio Raquel Garcia guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Mathematical methods in the applied sciences. Volume 41:Number 17(2018)
• Page Start: 7949
• Page End: 7957
• Publication Date: 2018-09-03
• Subjects: embolism -- water transport; Mathematics -- Periodicals; Technology -- Mathematics -- Periodicals; 519
• DOI: 10.1002/mma.5257
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0170-4214

Abstract

Abstract : We study an optimization problem for a model of steady‐state water transport through plants that maximizes water flow subject to the constraints on hydraulic conductance due to vulnerability to embolism (air blockage of conduits). The model has an elementary geometric interpretation and exhibits bottleneck behavior where one of the plant segments limits the overall optimal flow, sometimes in a counterintuitive way. The results show good agreement with experimental measurements and provide support for the hypothesis that leaves serve as a safety buffer protecting stems against excessive embolism.