scholarly journals Integrating effects of species composition and soil properties to predict shifts in montane forest carbon–water relations

2018 ◽  
Vol 115 (18) ◽  
pp. E4219-E4226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toby M. Maxwell ◽  
Lucas C. R. Silva ◽  
William R. Horwath
Keyword(s):  
Species Composition ◽  
Soil Properties ◽  
Water Use ◽  
Sierra Nevada ◽  
Water Relations ◽  
Montane Forest ◽  
Forest Carbon ◽  
Landscape Patterns ◽  
Stand Productivity ◽  
Intrinsic Water Use Efficiency

This study was designed to address a major source of uncertainty pertaining to coupled carbon–water cycles in montane forest ecosystems. The Sierra Nevada of California was used as a model system to investigate connections between the physiological performance of trees and landscape patterns of forest carbon and water use. The intrinsic water-use efficiency (iWUE)—an index of CO2 fixed per unit of potential water lost via transpiration—of nine dominant species was determined in replicated transects along an ∼1,500-m elevation gradient, spanning a broad range of climatic conditions and soils derived from three different parent materials. Stable isotope ratios of carbon and oxygen measured at the leaf level were combined with field-based and remotely sensed metrics of stand productivity, revealing that variation in iWUE depends primarily on leaf traits (∼24% of the variability), followed by stand productivity (∼16% of the variability), climatic regime (∼13% of the variability), and soil development (∼12% of the variability). Significant interactions between species composition and soil properties proved useful to predict changes in forest carbon–water relations. On the basis of observed shifts in tree species composition, ongoing since the 1950s and intensified in recent years, an increase in water loss through transpiration (ranging from 10 to 60% depending on parent material) is now expected in mixed conifer forests throughout the region.

Increasing intrinsic water-use efficiency over the past 160 years does not stimulate tree growth in southeastern China

2018 ◽  
Vol 76 (2) ◽  
pp. 115-130 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Guo ◽  
K Fang ◽  
J Li ◽  
HW Linderholm ◽  
D Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Use Efficiency ◽  
Water Use ◽  
Tree Growth ◽  
Southeastern China ◽  
The Past ◽  
Intrinsic Water Use Efficiency ◽  
Use Efficiency

Improving Intrinsic Water-Use Efficiency and Crop Yield

Crop Science ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 122 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. G. Condon ◽  
R. A. Richards ◽  
G. J. Rebetzke ◽  
G. D. Farquhar
Keyword(s):  
Water Use Efficiency ◽  
Water Use ◽  
Crop Yield ◽  
Intrinsic Water Use Efficiency ◽  
Use Efficiency

THE WATER RELATIONS AND IRRIGATION REQUIREMENTS OF COCONUT (Cocos nucifera): A REVIEW

2011 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. K. V. CARR
Keyword(s):  
Water Potential ◽  
Water Use ◽  
Water Relations ◽  
Leaf Water Potential ◽  
Water Productivity ◽  
Chloride Ions ◽  
Leaf Water ◽  
Flower Initiation ◽  
Plant Water ◽  
Drought Mitigation

SUMMARYThe results of research on the water relations and irrigation needs of coconut are collated and summarized in an attempt to link fundamental studies on crop physiology to drought mitigation and irrigation practices. Background information on the centres of origin and production of coconut and on crop development processes is followed by reviews of plant water relations, crop water use and water productivity, including drought mitigation. The majority of the recent research published in the international literature has been conducted in Brazil, Kerala (South India) and Sri Lanka, and by CIRAD (France) in association with local research organizations in a number of countries, including the Ivory Coast. The unique vegetative structure of the palm (stem and leaves) together with the long interval between flower initiation and the harvesting of the mature fruit (44 months) mean that causal links between environmental factors (especially water) are difficult to establish. The stomata play an important role in controlling water loss, whilst the leaf water potential is a sensitive indicator of plant water status. Both stomatal conductance and leaf water potential are negatively correlated with the saturation deficit of the air. Although roots extend to depths >2 m and laterally >3 m, the density of roots is greatest in the top 0–1.0 m soil, and laterally within 1.0–1.5 m of the trunk. In general, dwarf cultivars are more susceptible to drought than tall ones. Methods of screening for drought tolerance based on physiological traits have been proposed. The best estimates of the actual water use (ETc) of mature palms indicate representative rates of about 3 mm d−1. Reported values for the crop coefficient (Kc) are variable but suggest that 0.7 is a reasonable estimate. Although the sensitivity of coconut to drought is well recognized, there is a limited amount of reliable data on actual yield responses to irrigation although annual yield increases (50%) of 20–40 nuts palm−1 (4–12 kg copra, cultivar dependent) have been reported. These are only realized in the third and subsequent years after the introduction of irrigation applied at a rate equivalent to about 2 mm d−1 (or 100 l palm−1 d−1) at intervals of up to one week. Irrigation increases female flower production and reduces premature nut fall. Basin irrigation, micro-sprinklers and drip irrigation are all suitable methods of applying water. Recommended methods of drought mitigation include the burial of husks in trenches adjacent to the plant, mulching and the application of common salt (chloride ions). An international approach to addressing the need for more information on water productivity is recommended.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document