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The water status of six woody species coexisting in the Sahel (Ferlo, Senegal)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 July 2009

A. Berger ,
M. Grouzis  and
C. Fournier
A. Berger
Affiliation:
CEFE – CNRS, BP 5051, 34033 Montpellier Cedex, France
M. Grouzis
Affiliation:
Laboratoire d'Ecologie ORSTOM, BP 1386 Dakar, Senegal
C. Fournier
Affiliation:
CEFE – CNRS, BP 5051, 34033 Montpellier Cedex, France Laboratoire d'Ecologie ORSTOM, BP 1386 Dakar, Senegal
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Abstract

In the Sahel during recent decades, anthropogenic disturbance and periods of drought have caused changes in woody species frequency. The internal water status of six coexisting species was analysed to estimate the importance of water constraints in this process. Predawn and midday xylem pressure potential and stomatal conductance were monitored monthly for two years. The relations between xylem pressure potential and transpiration made it possible to determine the hydraulic conductivity of the soil—plant system. Two types of results were obtained. First, there was considerable diversity in water status of the different species. Minimum predawn xylem pressure potentials (dry season) ranged from – 1.5 MPa to – 5 MPa depending on species, with interseasonal variation from 0.08 MPa to 2 MPa. Response to rainfall was very rapid (a few days) or very slow (several months). The three functioning types defined using these results were compared with the phytogeographical status of the species. Second, more specific phenomena were observed, (a) Some species (Balanites aegyptiaca and Boscia senegalensis) showed an imbalance between the predawn xylem pressure potential and the soil water status during the rainy season; (b) a sharp increase in xylem pressure potential was observed in deciduous species in the middle of the dry season; probably related to bud break; and (c) the water status was always favourable for Combrelum glutinosum. The few remaining individuals seem to benefit from very favourable subsoil water supply conditions.

Keywords

bud breakdeciduous speciesevergreen specieshydraulic conductivitymidday xylem pressure potentialplant–soil water equilibriumpredawn xylem pressure potentialSahelwater recovery ratewoody species
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Tropical Ecology , Volume 12 , Issue 5 , September 1996 , pp. 607 - 627
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1996

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