Abstract

Spatial and temporal variation in precipitation patterns can directly alter the survival and growth of plants, yet in China there is no comprehensive and systematic strategy for plant use based on the effects of precipitation patterns. Here, we examined information from 93 published papers (368 plant species) on plant xylem water stable isotopes (δD and δ18O) in China. The results showed that: (1) The slope of the local meteoric water line (LMWL) gradually increased from inland areas to the coast, as a result of continental and seasonal effects. The correlation between δD and δ18O in plant stem water is also well fitted and the correlation coefficients range from 0.78 to 0.89. With respect to the soil water line, the δ18O values in relation to depth (0–100 cm) varied over time; (2) Plants’ main water sources are largely affected by precipitation patterns. In general, plants prioritize the use of stable and continuous water sources, while they have a more variable water uptake strategy under drought conditions; (3) There are no spatial and temporal variations in the contribution of the main water source (p > 0.05) because plants maintain growth by shifting their use of water sources when resources are unreliable.

Highlights

  • Vegetation plays an important role in global water cycles, and its survivorship and growth is essentially restricted by water resources

  • While China is a vast country with complex terrain, all rainfall cannot be expected to lie along the Global Meteoric Water Line, and regional or local meteoric water lines are required that can represent the real natural conditions

  • In the semi-humid region, plants rely on shallow soil water (43.5%), middle soil water (26.1%), and deep soil water (17.4%)

Read more

Summary

Introduction

Vegetation plays an important role in global water cycles, and its survivorship and growth is essentially restricted by water resources. Stable isotope techniques have become one of the most powerful tools for understanding the relationship between plants and water sources. Previous works have proved that latitude, altitude, amount of precipitation, and distance from coast are four major factors of variation in precipitation isotope ratios [5]. These driving forces, uneven spatial distribution of precipitation, are extensively recognized as governing terrestrial biological activity, as a result of differing water use strategies [6,7]. Plants give priority to using stable and continuous water sources, they can vary their water uptake strategy under special conditions

Objectives
Methods
Results
Conclusion
Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call