Water table depth affects productivity, water use, and the response to nitrogen addition in a savanna system

2008 ◽  
Vol 38 (8) ◽  
pp. 2118-2127 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chelcy R. Ford ◽  
Robert J. Mitchell ◽  
Robert O. Teskey
Keyword(s):  
Water Use ◽  
Water Table ◽  
Net Primary Productivity ◽  
Longleaf Pine ◽  
Pinus Palustris ◽  
High Water ◽  
Life Forms ◽  
Water Table Depth ◽  
N Addition ◽  
Aboveground Net Primary Productivity

We investigated annual aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) and transpiration (E) of the dominant plant life forms, longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) trees and wiregrass (Aristida stricta Michx.), in a fire-maintained savanna. Experimental plots spanned a natural hydrologic gradient (xeric and mesic site types) mediated by soil moisture (θ) and water table depth (WTD), and received additions of either 0 or 100 kg N·ha–1·year–1. Low rates of ANPP (1.3–2.2 Mg·ha–1) and annual E (108–380 mm) were observed in these communities. WTD and N addition explained 95% of the variation in community ANPP, whereas site type and WTD explained 83% of variation in community E. Between tree and grass life forms, longleaf pine ANPP was more coupled to WTD than wiregrass. For any given leaf area supported, ANPP of longleaf pine increased linearly with increasing water use and decreasing WTD. The longleaf pine ANPP response to N addition was greater in sites with high water use compared with those with low water use, indicating that this savanna system is colimited by nutrient and water availability and that water table depth plays a role in regulating savanna productivity.

Patterns and controls of ecosystem function in longleaf pine - wiregrass savannas. I. Aboveground net primary productivity

1999 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 743-751 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert J Mitchell ◽  
L Katherine Kirkman ◽  
Stephen D Pecot ◽  
Carlos A Wilson ◽  
Brian J Palik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Primary Productivity ◽  
N Mineralization ◽  
Environmental Gradient ◽  
Net Primary Productivity ◽  
Longleaf Pine ◽  
Pinus Palustris ◽  
Individual Species ◽  
Aboveground Net Primary Productivity ◽  
Resource Limitations

Longleaf pine - wiregrass (Pinus palustris Mill. - Aristida stricta Michx.) woodlands occupy sites ranging from deep, xeric sandhills to the edge of wetlands in the southeastern United States. Aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) of the overstory and understory were determined for three replicate sites of three site types (xeric, intermediate, and wet-mesic) that span a wide environmental gradient. In addition, soil moisture (at 30 and 90 cm) and N mineralization (in situ buried bag incubations) were measured through an annual cycle. Longleaf pine - wiregrass ecosystems varied by nearly twofold in ANPP across complex gradients. Overstory and understory and total (overstory and understory) ANPP were positively correlated to soil moisture at 30 and 90 cm. The proportion of understory ANPP relative to the total ANPP did not increase across the environmental gradient as predicted by hypotheses that invoke niche differentiation in rooting habits of grasses and trees. Contrary to expectations, cumulative net N mineralization was negatively related to soil moisture. All ANPP estimates were significantly and negatively related to cumulative N-mineralization. Further work is needed to explore the mechanisms by which soil moisture regulates productivity across space, time, and for individual species. Additional experimentation through resource addition would allow for investigations into multiple resource limitations and how resource limitations vary depending on gradient position.

scholarly journals Evaluating the influence of water table depth on transpiration of two vegetation communities in a lake floodplain wetland

2016 ◽  
Vol 47 (S1) ◽  
pp. 293-312 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiuli Xu ◽  
Qi Zhang ◽  
Yunliang Li ◽  
Xianghu Li
Keyword(s):  
Water Table ◽  
Growth Stage ◽  
High Water ◽  
Water Table Depth ◽  
Floodplain Wetlands ◽  
Floodplain Wetland ◽  
Vegetation Communities ◽  
High Water Table ◽  
Potential Transpiration ◽  
Main Growth

Groundwater plays an important role in supplying water to vegetation in floodplain wetlands. Exploring the effect of water table depth (WTD) on vegetation transpiration is essential to increasing understanding of interactions among vegetation, soil water, and groundwater. In this study, a HYDRUS-1D model was used to simulate the water uptake of two typical vegetation communities, Artemisia capillaris and Phragmites australis, in a floodplain wetland (Poyang Lake wetland, China). Vegetation transpiration was compared for two distinct hydrological conditions: high water table (2012) and low water table (2013). Results showed that vegetation transpiration in the main growth stage (July–October) was significantly influenced by WTD. Under high water table conditions, transpiration of A. capillaris and P. australis communities in the main growth stage totaled 334 and 735 mm, respectively, accounting for over 90% of the potential transpiration. Under low water table conditions, they decreased to 203 and 510 mm, respectively, due to water stress, accounting for merely 55% of the potential transpiration. Scenario simulations found different linear relationships between WTD and the ratio of groundwater contribution to vegetation transpiration. An increase of 1 m in WTD in the main growth stage may reduce the ratio by approximately 25%.

Whole-tree water relations of co-occurring mature Pinus palustris and Pinus elliottii var. elliottii

2011 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 509-523 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos A. Gonzalez-Benecke ◽  
Timothy A. Martin ◽  
Wendell P. Cropper,
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Area ◽  
Water Use ◽  
Water Relations ◽  
Longleaf Pine ◽  
Pinus Palustris ◽  
Pinus Elliottii ◽  
Hydraulic Conductance ◽  
Slash Pine ◽  
Southeastern Us ◽  
Whole Tree

The natural range of longleaf pine ( Pinus palustris P. Mill.) and slash pine ( Pinus elliottii var. elliottii Engelm.) includes most of the southeastern US Coastal Plain, and there is now considerable interest in using these species for ecological forestry, restoration, and carbon sequestration. It is therefore surprising that little information is currently available concerning differences in their ecological water relations in natural stands. In this study, we compared water use, stomatal conductance at the crown scale (Gcrown), and whole-tree hydraulic conductance of mature pine trees growing in a naturally regenerated mixed stand on a flatwoods site in north-central Florida. We found remarkable similarities between longleaf and slash pine in stored water use, nocturnal transpiration, and whole-tree hydraulic conductance. Mean daily transpiration rate was higher for slash than for longleaf pine, averaging 39 and 26 L·tree–1, respectively. This difference was determined by variations in tree leaf area. Slash pine had 60% more leaf area per unit basal sapwood area than longleaf pine, but the larger plasticity of longleaf pine stomatal regulation partially compensated for leaf area differences: longleaf pine had higher Gcrown on days with high volumetric water content (θv) but this was reduced to similar or even lower values than for slash pine on days with low θv. There was no species difference in the sensitivity of Gcrown to increasing vapor pressure deficit.

scholarly journals Water use efficiency and yield of cowpea and nutrient loss in lysimeter experiment under varying water table depth, irrigation schedules and irrigation method

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 46-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Binny Dasila ◽  
Veer Singh ◽  
HS Kushwaha ◽  
Ajaya Srivastava ◽  
Shri Ram
Keyword(s):  
Grain Yield ◽  
Water Use Efficiency ◽  
Nutrient Uptake ◽  
Water Use ◽  
Water Table ◽  
Root Length ◽  
Water Table Depth ◽  
Nutrient Loss ◽  
Lysimeter Experiment ◽  
Use Efficiency

Lysimeter experiment was conducted at Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar during summer season 2013 to study the effect of irrigation schedules and methods on yield, nutrient uptake and water use efficiency of cowpea as well as nutrient loss from silty clay loam soil under fluctuating water table conditions. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design having three irrigation schedules at IW/CPE ratio of 0.3. 0.2 and 0.15 with two irrigation methods (flood and sprinkler) and at 30±1.5, 60±1.5 and 90±1.5 cm water tables replicated thrice. Maximum root length (129.4 cm) and root length density (0.395 cm/cm3) were obtained when irrigation was scheduled at IW: CPE 0.3 associated with 30±1.5 cm water table depth using sprinkler method. Increase in water table depth and IW: CPE ratio decreased water use efficiency where IW: CPE 0.3 produced highest grain yield (1411.6 kg ha-1) with the WUE of 1.15 kg ha mm-1. Significant nutrients uptake response was observed owing to variation in water table depth, irrigation schedules and methods. Analysis of lysimeter leached water showed that with deep drainage and more IW:CPE, leaching losses of N,P and K were more however water applied through sprinkler saved 20.1, 53.7 and 24.4% N, P and K, respectively, over flooded method. Irrigation given at IW: CPE 0.3 through sprinkler form at 60±1.5 cm water table depth favours the higher grain yield and nutrient uptake by crop whereas flooded irrigation with deep water table condition accelerated nutrient leaching.SAARC J. Agri., 14(2): 46-55 (2016)

scholarly journals Water Table Depth Effect on Water Use and Tuber Yield for Subirrigated Caladium Production

2002 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 679-681 ◽  
Author(s):  
C.D. Stanley ◽  
B.K. Harbaugh
Keyword(s):  
Water Use ◽  
Water Table ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Organic Soil ◽  
Water Table Depth ◽  
Depth Effect ◽  
Production Index ◽  
Tuber Production ◽  
Current Water ◽  
Rain Events

A study was conducted to determine the effect of water table depth on water use and tuber yields for subirrigated caladium (Caladium × hortulanum) production. A field-situated drainage lysimeter system was used to control water table depths at 30, 45 and 60 cm (11.8, 17.7, and 23.6 inches). Water use was estimated by accounting for water added or removed (after rain events) to maintain the desired water table depth treatments. In 1998, tuber weights, the number of Jumbo grade tubers, and the production index (tuber value index) of `White Christmas' were greater when plants were grown with the water table maintained at 30 or 45 cm compared to 60 cm. In 1999, tuber weights, the number of Mammoth grade tubers, and the production index, also were greater when plants were grown at water table depths of 30 or 45 cm compared to 60 cm. The average estimated daily water use was 6.6, 5.1, and 3.3 mm (0.26, 0.20, and 0.13 inch) for plants grown at water table depths of 30, 45, and 60 cm, respectively, indicating an inverse relationship with water table depth. While current water management practices in the caladium industry attempt to maintain a 60-cm water table, results from this study indicate that, for subirrigated caladium tuber production, the water table should be maintained in at 30 to 45 cm for maximum production on an organic soil.

Water-Table Depth and Irrigation Effects on Applied-Water-Use Efficiencies of Three Crops

1978 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 0723-0728 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. C. Benz ◽  
G. A. Reichman ◽  
E. J. Doering ◽  
R. F. Follett
Keyword(s):  
Water Use ◽  
Water Table ◽  
Water Table Depth ◽  
Applied Water ◽  
Water Use Efficiencies ◽  
Irrigation Effects

AIR CONTENTS IN SOILS ABOVE A HIGH WATER TABLE — APPLICATION TO DRAINAGE CLASSIFICATION OF SOILS

1973 ◽  
Vol 53 (3) ◽  
pp. 325-330 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. MICHALICA ◽  
M. A. ZWARICH ◽  
C. F. SHAYKEWICH
Keyword(s):  
Water Table ◽  
Water Retention ◽  
High Water ◽  
Water Table Depth ◽  
Average Error ◽  
Retention Data ◽  
Soil Drainage ◽  
High Water Table ◽  
Soil Components ◽  
Water Retention Properties

Studies were conducted at 10 sites with a high water table with a view to classifying soil drainage status from a knowledge of water table depth and water retention properties of the soil. The parameter used to assess soil drainage status was air-filled porosity. The average error in predicting air-filled porosity in the field from water retention data was 2.3%. It was found that air-filled porosity in the water retention samples could be predicted from soil components to within 3.4–5.9% of the actual value (on the average). This suggests that where water retention data are not available, a knowledge of soil components and water table depth may be sufficient to obtain an estimate of air-filled porosity. A system of soil drainage classification based on air-filled porosity is proposed.

Seedling growth and water use of boreal conifers across different temperatures and near-flooded soil conditions

2011 ◽  
Vol 41 (12) ◽  
pp. 2292-2300 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane M. Wolken ◽  
Simon M. Landhäusser ◽  
Victor J. Lieffers ◽  
Uldis Silins
Keyword(s):  
Soil Temperature ◽  
Water Use ◽  
Water Table ◽  
Seedling Growth ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Lodgepole Pine ◽  
White Spruce ◽  
High Water ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
Flooded Soil

To test the hypothesis that seedling growth and water use increase with soil temperature and improved soil aeration and vary with species, we evaluated the above- and below-ground growth and water use of seedlings of four northern boreal conifer species: black spruce ( Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.), white spruce ( Picea glauca (Moench) Voss), tamarack ( Larix laricina (Du Roi) K. Koch), and lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud.) grown under different temperature and near-flooded soil conditions. Seedlings were grown in specialized pots that maintained the water table level at either 15 cm (high water table treatment: very wet) or 30 cm (low water table treatment: moderately wet) below the soil surface, and whole-seedling transpiration was assessed. Soil temperature (5, 10, or 20 °C) was controlled with a water bath surrounding the pots. Although some species were sensitive to the high water table treatment, soil temperature was the driver of seedling growth and water use. We ranked the ability of the seedlings of the species to tolerate the cold soil conditions examined as black spruce > lodgepole pine > tamarack > white spruce. The ranking of the ability to tolerate near-flooded conditions was tamarack and lodgepole pine > black spruce > white spruce.

scholarly journals A new model of Holocene peatland net primary production, decomposition, water balance, and peat accumulation

2010 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Frolking ◽  
N. T. Roulet ◽  
E. Tuittila ◽  
J. L. Bubier ◽  
A. Quillet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Time Series ◽  
Water Balance ◽  
Water Table ◽  
Net Primary Productivity ◽  
Net Primary Production ◽  
Vascular Plant ◽  
Water Table Depth ◽  
Carbon Accumulation ◽  
Peat Accumulation ◽  
Peat Profile

Abstract. Peatland carbon and water cycling are tightly coupled, so dynamic modeling of peat accumulation over decades to millennia should account for carbon-water feedbacks. We present initial results from a new simulation model of long-term peat accumulation, evaluated at a well-studied temperate bog in Ontario, Canada. The Holocene Peat Model (HPM) determines vegetation community composition dynamics and annual net primary productivity based on peat depth (as a proxy for nutrients and acidity) and water table depth. Annual peat (carbon) accumulation is the net balance above- and below-ground productivity and litter/peat decomposition – a function of peat hydrology (controlling depth to and degree of anoxia). Peat bulk density is simulated as a function of degree of humification, and affects the water balance through its influence on both the growth rate of the peat column and on peat hydraulic conductivity and the capacity to shed water. HPM output includes both time series of annual carbon and water fluxes, peat height, and water table depth, as well as a final peat profile that can be "cored" and compared to field observations of peat age and macrofossil composition. A stochastic 8500-yr, annual precipitation time series was constrained by a published Holocene climate reconstruction for southern Québec. HPM simulated 5.4 m of peat accumulation (310 kg C m-2) over 8500 years, 6.5% of total NPP over the period. Vascular plant functional types accounted for 65% of total NPP over 8500 years but only 35% of the final (contemporary) peat mass. Simulated age-depth and carbon accumulation profiles were compared to a radiocarbon dated 5.8 m, c.9000-yr core. The simulated core was younger than observations at most depths, but had a similar overall trajectory; carbon accumulation rates were generally higher in the simulation and were somewhat more variable than observations. HPM results were sensitive to century-scale anomalies in precipitation, with extended drier periods (precipitation reduced ∼10%) causing the peat profile to lose carbon (and height), despite relatively small changes in NPP.

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