Seasonal and vertical patterns of water availability and variability determine plant reproductive phenology.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Changing precipitation regimes can influence terrestrial plants and ecosystems. However, plant phenological responses to changing temporal patterns of precipitation and the underlying mechanisms are largely unclear. This study was conducted to explore the effects of seasonal precipitation redistribution on plant reproductive phenology in a temperate steppe.

Methods

A field experiment was undertaken with control (C), advanced (AP) and delayed (DP) growing-season precipitation peaks and the combination of AP and DP (ADP). Seven dominant plant species were selected and divided into two functional groups (early- vs. middle-flowering species, shallow- vs. deep-rooted species) to monitor reproductive phenology, including budding, flowering and fruiting dates an

SUBMITTER: Zhou Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11805934 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature