Removal of nutrient limitations by long-term fertilization decreases nocturnal water loss in savanna trees.

F.G. Scholz; S.J. Bucci; G. Goldstein; F.C. Meinzer; A.C. Franco; F. Miralles-Wilhelm

doi:10.1093/treephys/27.4.551

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Removal of nutrient limitations by long-term fertilization decreases nocturnal water loss in savanna trees.

Informally Refereed

Authors:

F.G. Scholz, S.J. Bucci, G. Goldstein, F.C. Meinzer, A.C. Franco, F. Miralles-Wilhelm

Year:

2007

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Pacific Northwest Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1093/treephys/27.4.551

Source:

Tree Physiology. 27: 551-559. http://heronpublishing.com/tree/summaries/volume27/a27-551.html. (June 23, 2006)

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Abstract

Under certain environmental conditions, nocturnal transpiration can be relatively high in temperate and tropical woody species. In nutrient-poor systems such as the Brazilian Cerrado, nocturnal transpiration may enhance delivery of nutrients to roots. We compared nocturnal transpiration of three dominant Cerrado tree species growing in unfertilized plots and plots to which nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) had been added twice yearly from 1998 to 2005. The fertilized trees had lower nocturnal transpiration. The results were consistent with the idea that enhancing nutrient uptake by allowing additional transpiration to occur at night when evaporative demand is lower may avoid excessive dehydration associated with increased stomatal opening during the day when evaporative demand is high.

Keywords

Leaf water potential, soil N and P, stomatal conductance, transpiration, tropical savanna

Citation

Scholz, F.G.; Bucci, S.J.; Goldstein, G.; Meinzer, F.C.; Franco, A.C.; Miralles-Wilhelm, F. 2007. Removal of nutrient limitations by long-term fertilization decreases nocturnal water loss in savanna trees. Tree Physiology. 27: 551-559. http://heronpublishing.com/tree/summaries/volume27/a27-551.html. (June 23, 2006)