Extreme droughts affecting Mediterranean tree species’ growth and water-use efficiency: the importance of timing

• DOI: 10.1093/treephys/tpy022
• Publication Date: 2018-02-09T20:12:17Z
• Authors: Alicia Forner; Fernando Valladares; Damien Bonal; André Granier; Charlotte Grossiord; Ismael Aranda
• Keywords: Tree (set theory)

It has been known for a long time that drought intensity is critical variable in determining water stress of Mediterranean tree species. However, not as much attention paid to other characteristics, example the timing dry periods. We investigated impact and extreme droughts on growing season length, growth water-use efficiency three species, Pinus nigra ssp. Salzmannii J.F. Arnold, Quercus ilex ballota (Desf.) Samp. faginea Lam. coexisting continental ecosystem. Over study period (2009–13), intense were observed at annual seasonal scales, particularly during 2011 2012. In 2012, an atypically winter spring was followed by summer drought. affected more than intensity, probably because its winter-deciduous leaf habit. showed lower decrease secondary two species extremely years. Resilience different among with Q. showing poorer recovery after very The highest intra- inter-annual plasticity P. nigra, which maintained water-saving strategy. Our results revealed events can affect function larger extent especially deciduous Legacy effects over months years significantly strengthened function.