Predawn Xylem Pressure Potential Research Articles

A 37‐year experimental study of the effects of structural alterations on a shrub community in the Mojave Desert, California

Abstract In 1977 an experiment was initiated in the Mojave Desert to investigate the relationship between shrub interactions and structure in a community dominated by Ambrosia dumosa and Larrea tridentata. Here, as in much of the Mojave, Larrea were regularly distributed, Ambrosia occurred in aggregations, and the two were randomly distributed relative to each other. Pre‐dawn xylem pressure potentials (PDXPPs) of single Ambrosia or Larrea in centres of 100 m2 circular plots were monitored to assess effects of intraspecific, interspecific and total removals of neighbouring shrubs. Contrary with theory, results over the next 2 years indicated that interspecific interference was more intense than intraspecific interference in both species. These plots were maintained through 2014. Measurements of seedling recruitment from 1980 to 2014, and of PDXPP, above‐ground biomass, and canopy senescence from 2003 to 2014 were conducted. Recruitment of both species was substantial immediately after the removals, but declined to very low levels after 1983. Ambrosia recruited into all Ambrosia and Total‐removal plots, but Larrea recruited only into plots that contained mature Ambrosia. Pre‐dawn xylem pressure potentials of monitored shrubs continued to be enhanced in removal plots for at least 27 years, but this changed from most being due to interspecific removals in both species to intraspecific removals causing most enhancement in Ambrosia and inter‐ and intraspecific removals causing nearly equal enhancements in Larrea. Above‐ground biomasses of monitored Ambrosia and Larrea were 2.1× and 2.8× larger in Total‐removal plots, 1.6× and 1.7× larger in intraspecific removal plots, respectively, and 1.1× larger in interspecific removal plots for both species than those in Control plots, indicating the absence of intraspecific interference had the dominant long‐term effect. Canopy senescence differed between Ambrosia and Larrea in extent, timing and effect of specific removal treatments; it was greatest for both species in Controls, averaging 75% and 34%, respectively. Synthesis. Shrub interactions and their relations to community structure are mechanistically and spatially complex. Differences between short‐term and long‐term responses to removals reveal multi‐tiered, temporally dynamic feedback loops between shrub interactions and community structure driven by demographics, species‐specific root growth, resource competition, communications and territoriality.

Late Summer Fog Use In The Drought Deciduous Shrub, Artemisia californica (Asteraceae)

Coastal fog affects many California plant species and can be critically important to species that experience periodic drought. Drought-deciduous species in particular rely on water availability to maintain their leaves during the summer. To determine fog water use in drought-deciduous plants, this study manipulated access to fog drip and measured the water relations of the common shrub, Artemisia californica, near Santa Barbara, CA. Measuring the stable isotope ratio of hydrogen and oxygen, this study found that A. californica uses fog water in the late summer months when fog is present. This additional water increased plant water content but had no effect on pre-dawn xylem pressure potential. While climatic variability inhibits reliable fog input to A. californica in Santa Barbara, this species can use fog water opportunistically and benefits from large fog events during the summer drought.

Interactions of sapsuckers andCytosporacanker can facilitate decline of riparian willows

Drought has caused large-scale plant mortality in ecosystems around the globe. Most diebacks have affected upland forest species. In the past two decades, a large-scale decline of riparian willows (Salix L.) has occurred in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. We examined whether climatic or biotic factors drive and maintain the willow community decline. We compared annual growth and dieback of willows inside and outside of 14-year-old ungulate exclosures and measured groundwater depth and predawn xylem pressures of stems as indicators of drought stress. We also performed an aerial photo analysis to determine the temporal dynamics of the decline. Aerial photo analysis indicated willow decline occurred between 2001 and 2005 and was best explained by an increase in moose population and a decrease in peak stream flows. A new mechanism for willow stem dieback was identified, initiated by red-naped sapsucker wounding willow bark. Wounds became infected with fungus that girdled the stem. DNA analyses confirmed Valsa sordida (Cytospora chrysosperma) as the lethal fungus. Captured sapsuckers had V. sordida spores on feet and beaks identifying them as one possible vector of spread. Predawn xylem pressure potentials remained high through the growing season on all study willows regardless of depth to ground water. Our results indicate that additional mechanisms may be involved in tall willow decline.

A quantitative comparison of two extremes in chaparral shrub phenology

We quantitatively compared phenology and water relations of a fully deciduous shrub, Styrax officinalis, and an evergreen shrub, Arctostaphylos glauca, in shared microsites in a sandstone outcrop in southern California during a multi-year drought. Pre-dawn xylem pressure potentials, Ψ pd, were similar for the two species during most months of 2 years, but occasional differences and watering experiment results suggest S. officinalis may have phreatophytic roots that tap water in deep rock cavities and joint traces, while A. glauca may have primarily shallow roots. Neither species varied in maximum or minimum Ψ pd between years of very different rainfall totals. Twig elongation and leaf production of S. officinalis began earlier during spring, and its leaves matured more quickly and more synchronously than A. glauca. Leaves lived a mean of 180 days for S. officinalis and 849 days for A. glauca. Leaf life spans varied among years in both species. S. officinalis leaf senescence occurred mostly in August and September and was not discernibly related to Ψ pd or drought avoidance. A. glauca leaf senescence occurred throughout the year, but especially coincided with leaf production. In A. glauca most senescence occurred at the beginning of a leaf cohort's third growing season, but numbers of retained older leaves increased during 4 years of drought. Timing of twig elongation and leaf and flower production appeared to be related to current rainfall, but amount of twig growth and numbers of leaves and flowers produced appeared to be related to rainfall of the previous year or years for S. officinalis and, more complexly, A. glauca. Because of an interrupted pattern of flower production, number of flowers produced by A. glauca may be responsive to rainfall amounts during two environmental periods. Morphological differences, including much higher above ground allocation, many more leaves/twig, lower allocation to stem mass, and longer duration of leaves/year in A. glauca, are probably responsible for A. glauca having >6 times more above ground biomass per plant than S. officinalis. During the multi-year drought S. officinalis changed little, indicating either superb adaptation or growth pattern rigidity, while A. glauca underwent extensive phenological and morphological changes, indicating either stress or adaptive flexibility.

A comparative study of oak (Quercus, Fagaceae) seedling physiology during summer drought in southern California

Natural recruitment of oaks appears to be declining throughout the northern hemisphere. Summer drought poses a potentially important barrier to oak recruitment in southern California. To evaluate this barrier, we grew evergreen Quercus agrifolia and deciduous Q. lobata from seeds near parental trees. We measured water relations, chlorophyll fluorescence, and gas exchange during these seedlings' fourth and fifth summers and compared them to neighboring adults. Most seedlings had substantially lower values for predawn xylem pressure potential (Ψ(pd)), minimum photosystem II (PSII) quantum efficiency (Φ(PSIIMIN)), maximum quantum efficiency for PSII under dark-adapted leaf conditions (Fv/Fm), and maximum photosynthetic assimilation (Amax), and higher values for maximum nonphotochemical quenching (NPQmax) than did conspecific adults. The high, unvarying Ψ(pd) values of the adults suggest they use perennially available groundwater. Quercus lobata seedlings commonly had lower values for Ψ(pd) than did Q. agrifolia, and values for Ψ(pd) and Φ(PSIIMIN) were significantly related to size in Q. lobata but not in Q. agrifolia. These data suggest important interspecific differences in root architecture. Lower values for Φ(PSIIMIN), Fv/Fm, and higher NPQmax in Q. agrifolia indicate that Q. agrifolia seedlings were usually under more stress than Q. lobata, which typically had higher Amax rates than did Q. agrifolia seedlings. Diurnal photosynthesis curves were quite flat for Q. agrifolia, but they peaked in the morning for Q. lobata. Established seedlings appeared to be under more stress than adults, but this stress did not appear severe enough to cause death. Access to perennially available groundwater may be crucial for the seedling to sapling transition.

Interactive Influences of Fertility and Nodulation on Growth, Nutrition, and Water Relations of European Alder in a Mine Soil

Actinorhizal nodulation of European alder (Alnus glutinosa[L.] Gaertn.) as influenced by substrate fertility was assessed for its effects on seedling growth and physiology. After a brief period in seed flats, seedlings were transplanted to a mine soil where they resided for 18 months, and three fertility regimes were imposed by application of differing nutrient solution concentrations while two distinct levels of nodulation were created through methyl bromide fumigation. Ultimately, seedlings in nonfumigated soil had > 5Xthe nodules of those grown in fumigated soil, and rising fertility stimulated nodule formation in the former. Heavy nodulation resulted in a 35% increase in shoot mass and a 60% increase in root mass on average, responses that exceeded those to fertilization for the latter. Seedlings with abundant nodules had higher foliar concentrations of total N, NO3, K, and Cu and lower concentrations of Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Mn, Zn, Mo, and Al overall, than were found in those with minimal nodulation. In turn, soil in which heavily nodulated seedlings were grown had higher total N, NO3, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Al concentrations but a lower Mo concentration than fumigated soil. Fertility regime effects on nutrition were readily apparent, although considerably more so in the mine soil than in foliage. During a simulated drought episode, predawn and midday xylem pressure potentials within the high fertility treatment were lower in heavily nodulated seedlings than in those with few nodules, and the water potentials in soil in which the heavily nodulated seedlings resided were lower overall as well. Collectively, these results provide insight into approaches to most effectively exploit the benefits European alder offers as a reforestation species for difficult sites.

Interactive effects of fertilization and throughfall exclusion on the physiological responses and whole-tree carbon uptake of mature loblolly pine

Few studies have examined the combined effects of nutrition and water exclusion on the canopy physiology of mature loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.). Understanding the impacts of forest management on plantation productivity requires extensive research on the relationship between silvicultural treatments and environmental constraints to growth. We studied the physiological responses of 18-year-old loblolly pine trees exposed to a combination of fertilization (fertilizer or no fertilizer) and throughfall (normal throughfall or throughfall exclusion). Gas exchange variables were measured in the upper and lower crown between 0900 and 1700 h from May to November in 1999. Needle fall was collected to estimate foliage mass and leaf area. Summer drought and throughfall exclusion significantly decreased predawn xylem pressure potential. Needle-level photosynthesis, transpiration, and stomatal conductance declined during the drought and were significantly lower in the throughfall exclusion treatment. Throughfall exclusion also reduced annual foliage mass and daily whole-crown photosynthesis and transpiration. In the normal throughfall treatment, fertilization had no effect on needle-level physiology, but increased annual foliage mass and whole-crown photosynthesis by 26% and 41%, respectively. With the exclusion of throughfall, however, annual foliage mass and daily whole-crown photosynthesis exhibited little response to fertilization. We conclude that greater nutrient availability enhances the carbon uptake of mature loblolly pine trees by stimulating foliage production, but the positive effects of fertilization on leaf area and carbon fixation are limited by low water availability.Key words: foliage mass, photosynthesis, Pinus taeda, seasonal trend, transpiration, xylem pressure potential.

Verification of 3-PG growth and water-use predictions in twelve Eucalyptus plantation stands in Zululand, South Africa

Process-based forestry models are seen by the South African forestry industry as potentially useful tools for improving predictions of growth and water use in forest plantations. The 3-PG process-based forest model was evaluated in South Africa using limited Eucalyptus and Pinus trial data, with encouraging results. Some uncertainty exists, however, over whether 3-PG will prove to be a practical forest management tool on forestry estates that typically comprise scores of compartments (planted even-aged stands) covering a wide range of site conditions, species/clone and tree age. Two important questions require answers: (i) is 3-PG capable of modelling growth over a wide range of site growth potential to useful accuracy and (ii) are there practical methods for estimating or measuring all of the required parameter values for the model? To answer these questions, 12 stands of Eucalyptus grandis×camaldulensis hybrid clones, representing early, mid and late rotation age, and covering a wide range of site growth potential in the Zululand region (KwaZulu-Natal Province), were intensively studied over a period of 12 months. Measurements of initial and final biomass, leaf area index, biomass allometric ratios, litterfall, specific leaf area, sap-flow rates, pre-dawn xylem pressure potential and weather conditions were made throughout the year. Two influential site parameter values (maximum available soil-water capacity and a soil fertility rating) required indirect estimation, since relevant information was lacking and difficult to obtain from the field. A pragmatic approach to estimating these parameters is described. Annual tree growth predicted by the model, and daily ranges of sap flow, were compared to field measurements. Predictions of annual growth increment (dry mass of stems and branches) were acceptable for 11 of the 12 stands ( Y=0.85 X+1.7, r 2=0.84). The twelfth stand, which had an extremely high annual growth increment, high leaf area and year-long access by the trees to shallow groundwater, was substantially underpredicted. This is attributed to likely physiological adaptions to the long-term absence of water stress at this site. We conclude that 3-PG can realistically simulate growth and water use over a wide range of rotation age and growth conditions. Preliminary sets of model parameter values for a range of diverse stands may be estimated over a relatively short period using simple field equipment and techniques. Further testing of these parameter values at physiologically significant times over the remainder of the rotation is recommended to test model output and permit fine-tuning of parameters.

Responses of common and successional heathland species to manipulated salt spray and water availability

Coastal sandplain heathlands are a rare plant community in the northeastern United States. Salt spray and water availability are likely important factors determining heathland distribution. Field surveys and manipulative experiments were performed to examine heathland species' responses to salt spray and water availability. We surveyed field distributions of four typical heathland species: Solidago puberula, Solidago rugosa, Gaylussacia baccata, and Myrica pensylvanica. The distributions of two native tree species, Pinus rigida and Quercus ilicifolia, were also surveyed because they succeed into coastal heathlands with low disturbance frequency. We then manipulated salt spray and water in the field and measured species' water status, necrosis, and growth responses to the treatments. Predawn xylem pressure potential and necrosis were strongly affected by high salt spray and low water availability. Shoot elongation was also limited in S. puberula and S. rugosa grown in high salt, low water treatments. Gaylussacia baccata and Q. ilicifolia were particularly sensitive to high salt spray and low water, suggesting that they might excluded be from areas with those conditions. The interaction between salt spray and water availability could affect the landscape scale and should be incorporated into conservation management plans.

C3shrub expansion in a C4grassland: positive post‐fire responses in resources and shoot growth

Changes in land management and reductions in fire frequency have enabled woody species to increase in grasslands worldwide. Nevertheless, fire is rarely eliminated from grasslands, and for shrubs to survive, they must be able cope with fire and replace aboveground structures. Because new shoots may have more available solar radiation, greater root : shoot ratios, and thus more resources available belowground after fire compared to undisturbed shrub communities, we hypothesized that carbon, nutrient, and water relations may be enhanced in stems compared to those in an undisturbed grassland. However, this same post-fire resource pulse stimulates the grasses and may intensify competitive interactions between shrubs and grasses. To test these predictions, we measured seasonal patterns in net photosynthesis (A), predawn xylem pressure potentials (XPP), leaf nitrogen (N) content, and productivity of Cornus drummondii shoots from shrub patches (islands) of different sizes in mesic grasslands burned annually, burned infrequently, and protected from fire. Seasonal average A was 20% higher (P = 0.016) in burned than in unburned shrubs, regardless of island size. Shrubs in burned sites also produced shoots with higher leaf N than unburned shrubs, and N content was higher in leaves from small islands compared to large islands (P < 0.0001). Burning caused a decrease in late summer predawn XPP in small islands (-3.1 MPa), whereas burned large islands did not differ from unburned shrubs. Post-fire productivity of new shoots was significantly greater compared to shoots in unburned sites. These results indicate that a transient period of high resource availability after fire allows for increased growth and rapid recovery of grassland shrubs. Thus, although fire has a negative effect on aboveground biomass of shrubs, the post-fire increases in resource availability, which enhance growth in the dominant grasses, are also important for recovery of woody species.

Positive and negative plant interactions contribute to a north-south-patterned association between two desert shrub species.

Abiotic factors are often thought to be the predominant forces shaping desert plant communities. But both positive and negative interactions between plants are frequently observed in deserts, and it is an open question whether they can strongly affect the spatial structure of a desert community. The goal of this study was to answer this question for a plant community in the North American Mojave Desert. Two semi-shrub species, Ambrosia dumosa and Acamptopappus sphaerocephalus, were the focus of this study. At the study site, seedlings emerged predominantly on the northern side of shrubs, indicating positive effects of canopy shading on emergence, but survival of Ambrosia seedlings was much higher in open areas than at the edge of conspecific shrubs. Negative intraspecific interactions also affected Ambrosia shrubs, which did not increase in size over a 4-year period unless the nearest conspecific neighbor had been removed. These negative intraspecific interactions among different life stages of Ambrosia appear to contribute to spatial segregation observed among shrubs of this species. In contrast, Acamptopappus shrubs and their seedlings were aggregated with Ambrosia shrubs, and occurred more often on the northern side of Ambrosia than expected by chance. Removal of Ambrosia neighbors positively affected growth of Acamptopappus, but only when the neighbor was removed on the northern side. For Acamptopappus, an Ambrosia neighbor on the southern side may have some positive effects, which appear to neutralize the negative effects found for northern neighbors. These positive effects were likely at least partly due to shading. Removal of Ambrosia neighbors negatively affected predawn xylem pressure potentials of Acamptopappus, but this effect was only found during one growing season and was briefly reversed during the next. In summary, negative intraspecific interactions appear to cause spatial segregation of Ambrosia shrubs, while a combination of positive and negative interactions apparently contribute to the directional association between Ambrosia and Acamptopappus. Thus plant interactions in this desert appear to shape community structure in at least two dimensions by influencing the distances and in which directions to their neighbors plants can grow and survive.

C3woody plant expansion in a C4grassland: are grasses and shrubs functionally distinct?

The expansion of C(3) shrubs into C(4)-dominated tallgrass prairies represents a fundamental shift in growth-form dominance accompanied by changes in resource acquisition and use. We assessed these changes by comparing the ecophysiological traits of the dominant C(4) grass Andropogon gerardii, with traits of three C(3) invasive shrub species, Cornus drummondii, Prunus americana, and Rhus glabra. We tested the hypothesis that ecophysiological traits of the shrubs would be similar within this growth form but distinct from grasses and that these species would conform to the two-layer soil water model. Photosynthetic rates in R. glabra were similar to A. gerardii and higher than in the other two shrubs, while water use efficiency was markedly greater in A. gerardii. Among all species, midday xylem pressure potentials (XPP) were distinctly lower (70%) for P. americana, but were similar among the other species. Predawn XPP was related to soil water at shallow depths for A. gerardii (r(2) = 0.59) and P. americana (r(2) = 0.62), and to deeper soil moisture for R. glabra (r(2) = 0.63); there was no relationship for C. drummondii at any soil depth. Thus, a simple two-layer soil water model for partitioning shrub/grass resource acquisition was not appropriate for this grassland. We conclude that these shrubs could not be considered functional equivalents from an ecophysiological perspective, nor were they, as a group, distinct from A. gerardii in resource acquisition and use.

Drought Stress Increases Densities but Not Populations of Two-spotted Spider Mite on Buddleia davidii `Pink Delight'

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of drought stress on the susceptibility of Buddleia davidii Franch. `Pink Delight' to the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch). In the first experiment, drought stress was imposed by withholding water until predawn xylem pressure potential fell below -1 MPa. Shoot growth was 75% less in drought-stressed than in nonstressed plants. Mite population densities were not affected, but noninfested leaf area was 14% higher, and degree of mite damage was lower, in nonstressed plants. Evidently, the greater amount of new growth in nonstressed plants leads to lower spider mite densities by diluting populations. In a second experiment, nonstressed B. davidii `Pink Delight' plants were watered every 1 to 2 days and drought-stressed plants were watered every 3 days. Spider mite populations were monitored by sampling newly expanded and mature foliage. Mite populations on mature foliage were not affected by stress, but stressed plants grew less and had larger spider mite populations on their newly expanded foliage than did nonstressed plants.

Thinning, fertilization, and crown position interact to control physiological responses of loblolly pine.

To examine physiological responses to thinning, fertilization, and crown position, we measured net photosynthesis (P(n)), transpiration (E), vapor pressure difference (VPD), stomatal conductance (g(s)), and xylem pressure potential (Psi(1)) between 0930 and 1130 h under ambient conditions in the upper and lower crowns of a 13-year-old loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantation six years (1994) after the treatments were applied. Photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) and air temperature (T(a)) within the canopy were also recorded. Needle P(n) of thinned trees was significantly enhanced by 22-54% in the lower crown, because canopy PPFD increased by 28-52%. Lower crown foliage of thinned plots also had higher E and g(s) than foliage of unthinned plots, but thinning had no effect on needle Psi(1) and predawn xylem pressure potential (0430-0530 h; Psi(pd)). Tree water status did not limit P(n), E and g(s) during the late-morning measurements. Fertilization significantly decreased within-canopy PPFD and T(a). Needle Psi(1) was increased in fertilized stands, whereas P(n), E and g(s) were not significantly altered. Upper crown foliage had significantly greater PPFD, P(n), VPD, g(s), E, and more negative Psi(1) than lower crown foliage. In both crown positions, needle P(n) was closely related to g(s), PPFD and T(a) (R(2) = 0.77 for the upper crown and 0.82 for the lower crown). We conclude that (1) silvicultural manipulation causes microclimate changes within the crowns of large trees, and (2) needle physiology adjusts to the within-crown environmental conditions.

Anatomical and Morphological Alterations in Longleaf Pine Needles Resulting from Growth in Elevated CO2: Interactions with Soil Resource Availability

Studies of anatomical changes in longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) needles for plants exposed to elevated atmospheric CO2 may provide insight into the potential influences of global CO2 increases on plant productivity. Longleaf pine seedlings were grown in open‐top field chambers supplied with either ambient (∼365 μmol mol−1) or elevated (∼720 μmol mol−1) atmospheric CO2 for 20 mo. Two levels of soil nitrogen (40 and 400 g ha−1 yr−1) and two soil moisture regimes (−0.5 or −1.5 MPa predawn xylem pressure potential) were used in combination with CO2 treatments. Needle tissue was collected 12 and 20 mo after treatment initiation and subjected to light and scanning electron microscopy. There was no effect of elevated CO2 on stomatal distribution or the proportion of internal leaf area allocated to a given tissue type at either sampling date. Although the relationships between vascular, transfusion, mesophyll, and epidermal tissue cross‐sectional areas to total leaf cross‐sectional areas appear nonplastic,...

Water relations and leaf chemistry of Chrysothamnus nauseosus ssp. consimilis (Asteraceae) and Sarcobatus vermiculatus (Chenopodiaceae)

At Mono Lake, California, we investigated field water relations, leaf and xylem chemistry, and gas exchange for two shrub species that commonly co‐occur on marginally saline soils, and have similar life histories and rooting patterns. Both species had highest root length densities close to the surface and have large tap roots that probably reach ground water at 3.4‐5.0 m on the study site. The species differed greatly in leaf water relations and leaf chemistry. Sarcobatus vermiculatus had a seasonal minimum predawn xylem pressure potential (ψpd) of ‐2.7 MPa and a midday potential (ψmd) of ‐4.1 MPa. These were significantly lower than for Chrysothamnus nauseosus, which had a minimum ψpd of ‐1.0 MPa and ψmd of ‐2.2 MPa. Sarcobatus had leaf Na of up to 9.1 % and K up to 2.7 % of dry mass, and these were significantly higher than for Chrysothamnus which had seasonal maxima of 0.4% leaf Na and 2.4 % leaf K. The molar ratios of leaf K/Na, Ca/Na, and Mg/Na were substantially lower for Sarcobatus than for Chrysothamnus. Xylem ionic contents indicated that both species excluded some Na at the root, but that Chrysothamnus was excluding much more than Sarcobatus. The higher Na content of Sarcobatus leaves was associated with greater leaf succulence, lower calculated osmotic potential, and lower xylem pressure potentials. Despite large differences in water relations and leaf chemistry, these species maintained similar diurnal patterns and rates of photosynthesis and stomatal conductance to water vapor diffusion. Sarcobatus ψpd may not reflect soil moisture availability due to root osmotic and hydraulic properties.

The water status of six woody species coexisting in the Sahel (Ferlo, Senegal)

ABSTRACTIn the Sahel during recent decades, anthropogenic disturbance and periods of drought have caused changes in woody species frequency. The internal water status of six coexisting species was analysed to estimate the importance of water constraints in this process. Predawn and midday xylem pressure potential and stomatal conductance were monitored monthly for two years. The relations between xylem pressure potential and transpiration made it possible to determine the hydraulic conductivity of the soil—plant system. Two types of results were obtained. First, there was considerable diversity in water status of the different species. Minimum predawn xylem pressure potentials (dry season) ranged from – 1.5 MPa to – 5 MPa depending on species, with interseasonal variation from 0.08 MPa to 2 MPa. Response to rainfall was very rapid (a few days) or very slow (several months). The three functioning types defined using these results were compared with the phytogeographical status of the species. Second, more specific phenomena were observed, (a) Some species (Balanites aegyptiaca and Boscia senegalensis) showed an imbalance between the predawn xylem pressure potential and the soil water status during the rainy season; (b) a sharp increase in xylem pressure potential was observed in deciduous species in the middle of the dry season; probably related to bud break; and (c) the water status was always favourable for Combrelum glutinosum. The few remaining individuals seem to benefit from very favourable subsoil water supply conditions.

Response of Eucalyptus grandis trees to soil water deficits.

The use of potential transpiration models to simulate transpiration rates in areas prone to soil water deficits leads to overestimates of water use as the soil dries. Therefore, I carried out studies on Eucalyptus grandis W. Hill ex Maiden trees subjected to soil drying at two field sites in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa to determine the relation between transpiration rate and soil water availability. I hypothesized that, with this relationship defined, simple modeling of the soil water balance could be used to predict what fraction of potential transpiration was taking place at a given time. Site 1 supported a stand of 3-year-old E. grandis trees, whereas 9-year-old trees were growing on Site 2, situated 2 km away. At each site, plastic sheeting was laid over the ground to prevent soil water recharge and thereby allow the roots in the soil to induce a continuous progressive depletion of soil water. Measurements of predawn xylem pressure potential, leaf area index, growth and sap flow rates revealed that prevention of soil water recharge resulted in only moderate drought stress. At Site 1, the trees abstracted water down to 8 m below the surface, whereas trees at Site 2 obtained most of their water from depths below 8 m. I found that modeling the water balance of deep rooting zones is impractical for the purpose of simulating nonpotential transpiration rates because of uncertainties about the depth of the root system, the soil water recharge mechanism and the water retention characteristics of the deep subsoil strata. I conclude that predicting the occurrence and severity of soil water deficits from the soil water balance is not feasible at these sites.

Variation in Leaf Structure and Function in Quercus douglasii Trees Differing in Root Architecture and Drought History

Seasonal changes in leaf specific mass, nitrogen, chlorophyll, and photosynthetic properties were measured for two groups of spatially intermixed Quercus douglasii trees with different drought histories and apparently different root architectures. One group, referred to as high-ψpd trees, included trees with low amounts of fine root biomass in the upper 50 cm of soil and high predawn xylem pressure potentials (ψpd) during summer drought. These two characteristics indicate that trees in this group have deep roots, which may reach the water table. The second group, referred to as low-ψpd trees, had three to five times higher fine root biomass in the upper 50 cm of soil and low ψpd during summer drought. These two characteristics indicate that these trees may not have access to the water table and are dependent on shallow soil moisture, which decreases rapidly during the rainless summers of central California. In the spring, after the full expansion of new leaves, but prior to significant divergence in ψ...

Influence of an Environmental Gradient on Physiology of Singleleaf Pinyon

The acquisition of water and regulation of its loss are important to plant 'success' in arid environments. Species existing over a range of environmental conditions should respond physiologically to varying conditions to maximize water use efficiency and avoid low tissue water potentials. Seasonal and diurnal ecophysiological responses of singleleaf pinyon (Pinus monophylla Torr. and Frem.) were investigated along an environmental gradient involving elevation, moisture and temperature in Nevada. The gradient was represented by study sites in black sagebrush (Artemisia nova A. Nels), mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana Nutt.), and mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus ledifolius Nutt.) communities. Xylem pressure potential, conductance, and transpiration were measured over 2 growing seasons. Xylem pressure potential and leaf conductance ranged from -3.0 to -0.7 MPa and 0.01 to 0.43 cm s-l, respectively, during the study. Carbon isotope discrimination (delta) of needles was determined in August 1990. Differences in delta values were not significant between sites at the lowest and highest elevations but were significant between the driest site (black sage) and the relatively wetter site (mountain mahogany). Leaf conductance was influenced by but not strongly correlated with predawn xylem pressure potentials, relative humidity, and temperature. Generally, there was little difference in water use characteristics of singleleaf pinyon along the environmental gradient in this study. Thus, it appears that singleleaf pinyon's ability to exist over a range of environmental conditions is not a function of variable ecophysiological responses but an opportunistic response to the availability of resources and conditions suitabie for erowth to occur.