Premium
Physiology–phenology interactions in a productive semi‐arid pine forest
Author(s) -
Maseyk Kadmiel S.,
Lin Tongbao,
Rotenberg Eyal,
Grünzweig José M.,
Schwartz Am,
Yakir Dan
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
new phytologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.742
H-Index - 244
eISSN - 1469-8137
pISSN - 0028-646X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2008.02391.x
Subject(s) - phenology , stomatal conductance , environmental science , photosynthesis , vapour pressure deficit , growing season , temperate forest , temperate climate , agronomy , water content , arid , carbon cycle , water use efficiency , dry season , soil water , transpiration , ecology , biology , botany , ecosystem , soil science , geotechnical engineering , engineering
Summary• This study explored possible advantages conferred by the phase shift between leaf phenology and photosynthesis seasonality in a semi‐arid Pinus halepensis forest system, not seen in temperate sites. • Leaf‐scale measurements of gas exchange, nitrogen and phenology were used on daily, seasonal and annual time‐scales. • Peak photosynthesis was in late winter, when high soil moisture, mild temperatures and low leaf vapour pressure deficit ( D L ) allowed high rates associated with high water‐ and nitrogen‐use efficiencies. Self‐sustained new needle growth through the dry and hot summer maximized photosynthesis in the following wet season, without straining carbon storage. Low rates of water loss were associated with increasing sensitivity of stomatal conductance ( g s ) to soil moisture below a relative extractable water (REW) of 0.4, and decreased g s sensitivity to D L below REW of approx. 0.2. This response was captured by the modified Ball–Berry (Leuning) model. • While most physiological parameters and responses measured were typical of temperate pines, the photosynthesis–phenological phasing contributed to high productivity under warm‐dry conditions. This contrasts with reported effects of short‐term periodical droughts and could lead to different predictions of the effect of warming and drying climate on pine forest productivity.