growing in clay soils are much shallower rooted than those trees in sandy soils, which develop deeper root systems to find water. This ultimately means that those in the clay soils are more adversely affected by drought conditions (Texas Forest Service, n.d.). Robertson (1992) carried out a study assessing the environmental factors controlling past tree growth on forested floodplain sites in southern . He noted that temperature, precipitation, soil moisture, depth until reaching the water table and solar radiation all had an impact on radial growth. Also during periods of high water tables in winter and spring, there was not a negative effect on growth. In the summer months, precipitation was linked with growth in many species (Robertson, 1992). Equally however, Baughman (2010) found that too much water, in the form of floods affects tree growth. Those most severly affected depends on both the species, and if the tree was previously stressed. Species which were under stress showed depressed growth, whilst tolerant species had less adverse effects. Generally, increased water covering the soil results in less oxygen availability for the roots, restricting growth. Trees are more susceptible to damage just after the first flush of growth. In addition floodwaters may carry harmful chemicals, further endangering the trees in a particular location. (Baughman, 2010). Sunlight also plays a role in radial growth, Esau (1965) uses Oak as an example which contains two portions of growth; the first being the spring-wood which is dependant on the reserves that the tree has; the second being the which is dependent on the food supplies of that particular year. The variations in the summerwood width are therefore largely influenced by the available food supply, hence the amount of sunlight (Esau, 1965).
growing in clay soils are much shallower rooted than those trees in sandy soils, which develop deeper root systems to find water. This ultimately means that those in the clay soils are more adversely affected by drought conditions (Texas Forest Service, n.d.). Robertson (1992) carried out a study assessing the environmental factors controlling past tree growth on forested floodplain sites in southern . He noted that temperature, precipitation, soil moisture, depth until reaching the water table and solar radiation all had an impact on radial growth. Also during periods of high water tables in winter and spring, there was not a negative effect on growth. In the summer months, precipitation was linked with growth in many species (Robertson, 1992). Equally however, Baughman (2010) found that too much water, in the form of floods affects tree growth. Those most severly affected depends on both the species, and if the tree was previously stressed. Species which were under stress showed depressed growth, whilst tolerant species had less adverse effects. Generally, increased water covering the soil results in less oxygen availability for the roots, restricting growth. Trees are more susceptible to damage just after the first flush of growth. In addition floodwaters may carry harmful chemicals, further endangering the trees in a particular location. (Baughman, 2010). Sunlight also plays a role in radial growth, Esau (1965) uses Oak as an example which contains two portions of growth; the first being the spring-wood which is dependant on the reserves that the tree has; the second being the which is dependent on the food supplies of that particular year. The variations in the summerwood width are therefore largely influenced by the available food supply, hence the amount of sunlight (Esau, 1965).
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