Boyd Deep Canyon Desert Research Center

18 May, 03 AM - 19 May, 11 AM

In this study I will test a novel hypothesis that plant adaptations to water stress are correlated with nutrient cycling. I will compare plant resistance to water stress with plant chemical composition. The chemical composition of plant material is a major determinate of decomposition rate. In particular, lignin is a carbon-based structural component of plant cells and is associated with greater water stress resistance though the strengthening of the plant vascular system. Additionally, lignin is known to inhibit plant litter decomposition and strongly influence ecosystem nutrient cycling. I postulate that increases in plant resistance to water stress in the form of reduced vulnerability to cavitation will affect soil nutrient cycling by increasing the lignin content of litter. I will directly measure the vulnerability to cavitation of a variety of species in differing functional groups and community types, and will compare these measurements to that of plant chemical composition. For each species, I will collect one stem and root (~20 cm) from each of six individual plants. I will take these stems back to the laboratory at UCI and determine water stress resistance and chemical composition. Water stress resistance of each species will be determined by measuring vulnerability to cavitation of stems and roots using a hydraulic conductivity system coupled with a tension-inducing centrifuge (Sperry 1988; Alder 1997). The stems will then be dried and analyzed for lignin, carbon, and nitrogen content. These data will contribute to our understanding of the linkages between water stress resistance and nutrient cycling.

Visit #15285 @Boyd Deep Canyon Desert Research Center

Approved

Under Project # 9783 | Research

Linkages between plant resistance to water stress and plant anatomical chemistry

faculty - California State University (CSU), Fullerton

Reservation Members(s)

Christine Goedhart May 18 - 19, 2008 (2 days)

Reserve Resources(s) | Create Invoice

Mayhew housing facilities 1 May 18 - 19, 2008