• Ecology and Resilient Infrastructure
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• v.3 no.4
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• pp.302-306
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• 2016

There are various methods to evaluate tree vigor. Cambial electrical resistance represents tree vigor using the method of electrophysiological diagnosis. This study investigated the vigor of several tree species using Shigometer, and compared the differences among the species. The factors, such as foliation, trunk orientation and bark temperature, which affect electrical resistance were also investigated. The needle penetration into cambium was controlled to keep the depth consistent in order to minimize measurement error. Each of three trees were selected from Zelkova serrata, Ginkgo biloba, Metasequoia glyptostroboides, Pinus koraiensis, and Liriodendron tulipifera. The electrical resistances were measured at 60 and 120 cm height of the stem in 4 directions from March until May 2011. The soil conditions in surrounding areas and tree stress responses were also measured. The results were analyzed for the relationship between electrical resistance and the affecting factors. The electrical resistance showed a relatively higher level before foliation until mid-March. The values started to decline from April and recorded a minimal level on May 11. The changes of soil moisture, soil electric conductivity, and tree stress responses during the measurement period showed a similar trend to that of electrical resistance. The Pinus koraiensis, an evergreen conifer, showed few changes on the electrical resistance values during the measurement period. Zelkova serrata, Ginkgo biloba, and Metasequoia glyptostroboides showed the highest bark temperatures and lowest electrical resistances at their south-facing stem. Shigometer can provide measures simple to assess tree vigor in the fields, and to the management of trees.