Whole tree water relations research has just become easier and more accurate. The DBL60 Logging Band Dendrometer now incorporates its own self-contained datalogger. Using an internal lithium battery there is no need for external batteries or solar panels to power the logger, meaning it can be attached to a tree and set logging with no other accessories or requirements.
Such independence means multiple trees throughout an experimental site can be continuously logged over a much larger area than if they were required to be connected to a central logging system. Small trees, large trees, neighbouring trees or very distant trees can now easily be measured without physically limiting design constraints. The DBL60 is a very reliable and low cost method of accurately measuring and monitoring tree growth rates.
DBL60 Logging Band Dendrometer Features
The DBL60 is the scientific standard for dendrometer measurements on trees. It is a standalone instrument with an internal logger and battery. The logger has a memory capacity of 50,000 readings and the battery can last up to 5 years.
Communications is via an infrared communications link with a dedicated, Windows based software interface.
No programming is required. Simply install the DBL60 onto the tree and set a logging interval.
The DBL60 has a high resolution of 1µm (0.001mm). The DBL60 is non-invasive and attaches to the stem with an inextensible stainless steel band. The stainless steel band has a linear thermal co-efficient of 17.3x 16 per °C. Therefore thermal variations caused by daily or seasonal changes in temperature have no measurable impact on the operation of the DBL60.
The DBL60 is IP65 rated and is designed to be installed in the harshest field conditions for years at a time.
DBL60 Specifications |
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Operating Conditions |
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Minimum Stem Diameter | 80 mm |
Maximum Stem Diameter | No limit |
Increment Range | 60 mm |
Resolution | 0.001 mm |
Linearity | 2% of full scale |
Memory Capacity | 50,000 readings or 4 years at hourly readings |
Communications | Infrared |
Temperature |
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Measurement Accuracy | ± 2°C |
Power |
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Battery Capacity | Approx 5 yrs at hourly intervals |
Type | Internal Lithium |
Weight |
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Weight | 450gm |
Strength |
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Tightening Strength | 15 to 20 N |
Dimensions |
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Tape Spool Length | 15 m |
Tape Spool Width | 12 mm |
De Groote, S. (2013). Impact of dew and rain on the water relations of the mangrove species Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh Doctoral dissertation, Master’s thesis, University Ghent, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering. Click to view Paper
Vandegehuchte, M. W., Guyot, A., Hubeau, M., De Swaef, T., Lockington, D. A., & Steppe, K. (2014). Modelling reveals endogenous osmotic adaptation of storage tissue water potential as an important driver determining different stem diameter variation patterns in the mangrove species Avicennia marina and Rhizophora stylosa. Annals of Botany, 114(4), 667–676. https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mct311
Vandegehuchte, M. W., Guyot, A., Hubau, M., De Groote, S. R., De Baerdemaeker, N. J., Hayes, M., … & Steppe, K. (2014). Long-term versus daily stem diameter variation in co-occurring mangrove species: Environmental versus ecophysiological drivers. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology, 192–193, 51–58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agrformet.2014.03.002