Limiting resource and leaf functional traits jointly determine distribution patterns of leaf intrinsic water use efficiency along aridity gradients.

ABSTRACT: Intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE) is a critical eco-physiological function allowing plants to adapt to water- and nutrient-limited habitats in arid and semi-arid regions. However, the distribution of iWUE in coexisting species along aridity gradients and its controlling factors are unknown. We established two transects along an aridity gradient in the grasslands of Losses Plateau (LP) and Inner Mongolia Plateau (MP) to elucidate the patterns and underlying mechanisms of iWUE distribution in coexisting species along aridity gradient. We determined leaf carbon (δ¹³C) and oxygen (δ¹⁸O) stable isotopes, functional traits related to carbon fixation, and limiting resources. Bulk leaf δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O were used as proxies for time-integrated iWUE and s

SUBMITTER: Wang J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9372487 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature