Effects of canopy characteristics and rainfall intensity on canopy water storage: A simulated rainfall study on the broadleaf and needleleaf species in subtropical China

Jiangxi Province, China Canopy interception is influenced by both structural and rainfall characteristics. yet, the relative contributions remain unclear due to their complex interactions. A process-based experimental study was conducted to quantify rainwater storage on canopies and assess how rainfall and crown structural characteristics influence key interception metrics: maximum and minimum canopy interception weight ( S max and S min , g), interception per unit crown projected area ( C max and C min , mm), and interception to gross precipitation ratio ( R max and R min , %) for broadleaf and needleleaf species. Needleleaf species exhibit greater interception capacity than broadleaf species, due to morphological differences. Canopy interception is strongly influenced by both crown structure and rainfall parameters, with crown structure being critical for C max , C min , S max , S min , R max and R min , while rainfall characteristics primarily affect R max and R min . Three-dimensional canopy variables (leaf biomass density, leaf area density, leaf count density) have a stronger effect on C max and C min than two-dimensional variables (leaf area index, leaf biomass index, leaf count index). For R max , R min , C max and C min , leaf-related traits contributed more than branch-related traits. Within both leaf- and branch-related variables, their influence ranked as biomass, count, and area. Overall, Our findings indicate that tree characteristics exert a greater influence on rainfall interception than rainfall characteristics, whereas rainfall characteristics play a more role in shaping the interception ratio. • Needleleaf tree species exhibited stronger canopy interception ability than broad-leaved tree species. • Tree characteristics play a more significant role in interception than rainfall characteristics. • Rainfall characteristics affect interception ratio more than interception capacity. • Leaves have a greater impact on interception than branches as contributing variables. • Three-dimensional parameters are recommended as key input for improving future interception simulation models.