["languages_typename_ge" not defined]Clear Cookie - decide language by browser settings

Hydraulic lift: soil processes and transpiration in the Mediterranean leguminous shrub Retama sphaerocarpa (L.) Boiss

Prieto, Iván and Kikvidze, Zaal and Pugnaire, Francisco (2010) Hydraulic lift: soil processes and transpiration in the Mediterranean leguminous shrub Retama sphaerocarpa (L.) Boiss. Plant and Soil, 329. pp. 447-456.

This is the latest version of this item.

[img]
Preview
 Text
Prieto et al 2010 Plant Soil.PDF - Published Version
Download (339kB) | Preview

Abstract

Hydraulic lift (HL) is the process by which plants can passively transfer water from deep, moist soil layers to shallow, dry soil layers. Although it has attracted recent research interest, a mechanistic understanding and its implications for ecosystem functioning are still lacking. Here we describe HL seasonal patterns in a semi-arid shrub species and its influence on plant water dynamics. We measured soil water availability and plant water status over the course of 1 year. Soil water potential in the rhizosphere of Retama sphaerocarpa (L.) Boiss (Fabaceae) individuals and in adjacent land was recorded using soil psychrometers. Sap flow was recorded simultaneously using the stem heat balance method (SHBM). Our results show a seasonal HL trend linked to mean seasonal soil water potential with greatest HL amplitudes at moderately low water potentials (ca −4 MPa). HL amplitude was negatively affected by nocturnal transpiration, and HL patterns were recorded in all seasons and at water potentials ranging from −0.1 MPa to −8.5 MPa which is consistent with R. sphaerocarpa deep rooting habit and its steady access to ground water.

Item Type: Article
Subjects: Q Science > Ecology
Divisions: Institutes > 4D Research Institute
Depositing User: Prof. Zaal Kikvidze
Date Deposited: 16 Apr 2015 06:14
Last Modified: 16 Apr 2015 06:14
URI: http://eprints.iliauni.edu.ge/id/eprint/2057

Available Versions of this Item

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item
eprints is powered by EPrints 3 which is developed by the School of Electronics and Computer Science at the University of Southampton. More information and software credits.