Relationships between foliar carbon isotope discrimination with potassium concentration and ash content of the riparian plants in the extreme arid region of China

• DOI: 10.1007/s11099-009-0075-7
• Publication Date: 2010-02-16T12:08:19Z
• Authors: S. K. Cao; Q. Feng; J. H. Si; Y. H. Su; Z. Q. Chang; H. Y. Xi
• Keywords: Tamarix; Populus euphratica

Carbon isotope discrimination (Δ) has been proposed as an indirect estimation criterion for water use efficiency in C3 plants. Because of the higher cost Δ analysis, ash content or K concentration alternative many species. In five typical habitats extreme arid Ejina desert oasis northwest China, seasonal variations foliar δ, content, and potassium (K) were researched two constructive riparian plants (Populus euphratica Olivier, Tamarix ramosissima Ledeb). The correlations with both species also examined to evaluate feasibility surrogates P. T. ramosissima. Results showed that there significant effects plant species, growth season on Δ, concentration. Foliar significantly than those ramosissima, whereas, was reverse. Among habitats, trends δ signatures similar, values lowest dune. Both Gobi dune sites, different. whole period, gradually increased, but decreased. Ash positively related However, negative between well found. relationship positive very weak.