Competitive Exploitation of Soil Water by Five Eastern North American Tree Species

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Abstract
Water status and rates of water loss from the soil and plants [Pinus rigida, P. strobus, Quercus borealis, Fraxinus pennsylvanica and Alnus rugosa] for a growing season in a dry ridge-top community near Ithaca, New York [USA] were examined. Species differences in stomatal response to LWP [leaf water potential] and in the dependence of LWP on SWP [soil water potential] and VPD [vapor pressure deficit] caused various transpiration patterns with time in the species studied. As the soil dried, the more drought-adapted species on the site reduced transpiration less than did the less drought-adapted species. This maintenance of high transpiration by the more drought-adapted species promoted soil water loss to the detriment of the net C uptake and survival of other species. The least drought-adapted species were most susceptible to this competitive exploitation of soil water.