Abstract
Eco-physiological adaptation of dominant tree species at two contrasting karst habitats in southwestern China
Highlights
Karst topography features soluble bedrock, which is usually carbonate rock such as limestone or dolomite[1]
Photosynthetic gas exchange When measured under their respective ambient conditions in 2007 and 2008, the photosynthetic rate (Pn) across all investigated tree species was much higher in Daxiagu than in Tianlongshan (Figure 1)
Plants in karst regions are thought to be subject to temporary drought stress in their growth seasons due to the poor water holding capacity of the soil
Summary
Karst topography features soluble bedrock, which is usually carbonate rock such as limestone or dolomite[1]. Deforestation was once one of the most serious environmental problems in China’s karst region, and was mainly due to fuel wood production, agricultural expansion, and livestock husbandry This land use has caused the ecosystem of the karst region to degrade beyond its already poor condition. Precipitation is sufficient in this region, but the woody plants are supposedly subjected to temporary water stress This water stress results from low soil water-holding capability, and the high leakiness of limestone rock[2,3]. Reports on woody plant growth and physiological response to temporary water deficiency in the karst field areas have been sparse. Investigating how woody plants respond functionally to differently degraded habitats will help understand the adaptive mechanisms that these indigenous species have to their habitats This will help in optimizing the selection of tree species for forest ecosystem restoration in karst regions
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