The main factors that drive plant dieback under extreme drought differ among Mediterranean shrubland plant biotypes

• DOI: 10.1111/jvs.13187
• Publication Date: 2023-04-07T14:23:51Z
• Authors: Adrián Maturano‐Ruiz; Samantha Ruiz‐Yan...; Àngela Manrique‐Alba; Hassane Moutahir; Esteban Chirino; Alberto Vilagrosa; Juan F. Bellot
• Keywords: Shrubland; Microclimate; Plant cover

Abstract Questions Knowledge of how extreme drought events induce plant dieback and, eventually, mortality, may improve our forecasting ecosystem change according to future climate projections, especially in Mediterranean drylands. In them, shrublands are the main vegetation communities transition areas from a subhumid semi‐arid climate. This study analyzed differences after an unusual 2014 and identified their underlying factors relation three groups explanatory variables: water availability, soil properties structure attributes. Location Four along climatic gradient SE Spain. Methods At each experimental field site, we sampled pool characteristics, depth surface properties, also determined availability by continuously monitoring moisture microclimate conditions. Results The analysis showed that there was event 2014, which below first percentile driest years. Under such conditions, occurred at all sites. However, differed between sites biotypes. Subshrubs were affected biotype, with diebacks close 60% sites, up 40% for shrubs depending on vertical development. Relative extractable bare cover best variables community but changed Vegetation related development (leaf area index [LAI], height, phytovolume) significant shrubs, subshrubs grasses. Consecutive dry days fitted model explain subshrub dieback. Conclusions We found rainfall pattern rather than total annual factor plants These results pointed out relevance explaining responses drought.