Isotopic evidence for the role of plant development on transpiration in deciduous forests of southern United States

Abstract

We evaluated D/H ratios of soil‐ and plant‐extracted water during the 1997 growing season to assess the influence of temperature, humidity, and rainfall on water distribution in deciduous forests. Three state parks (Chicot in Arkansas; Natchez in Mississippi, and St. Bernard in Louisiana) were identified along a 13.5‐cm precipitation gradient established during the studied growing season within the Mississippi River basin. Samples were collected for isotopic determinations from five to six species at each site early (March) and late (June) in the growing season. To capture the isotopic variability in water sources, samples of rainwater, groundwater, and soil water were collected. Isotopic results for rainwater showed an average increase of 4‰ from March to June. This increase did not transfer to soil water: soil water δD values throughout the growing season showed values close to those measured for March rainwater. In contrast, leaf water showed δD values that were 15‰ to 20‰ higher in March compared to June δD values. Elevated March δD values in leaf water were observed in virtually all species at the three sites. Change in leaf water δD value during the growing season was not correlated with precipitation rate, temperature, humidity, or changes in atmospheric water vapor isotopic composition. We propose that this widespread March isotopic enrichment resulted from enhanced evaporative demand induced by accelerated plant growth early in the growing season. This suggestion implies a decoupling of environmental factors and plant response, pointing to the important role of plant developmental timing in ecosystem functioning.