Hydraulic redistribution by hybrid poplars (Populus nigra x Populus maximowiczii) in a greenhouse soil column experiment

Abstract

Abstract

Aims Hydraulic redistribution (HR) enhances water resources for neighboring crops in silvopastoral agroforestry (AF). Here, we tested whether and to what extent water stressed shallow-rooted neighboring plants benefit from water redistributed by deep-rooted poplar plants.

Methods We conducted trace experiments with deuterated water (2H2O) in greenhouse soil column experiments. We measured hydraulic lift (HL) by poplars grown at two levels of soil drying and estimated the amount of hydraulically lifted water. In a parallel experiment we grew poplars and barley (Hordeum vulgare) in two columns connected via a small cross-rooting segment.

Results Soil moisture measurements and stable isotope signatures of soil and xylem water proved the occurrence of HL in poplar. Additionally, stable isotopes proved the transport of water from deep roots of poplars to shallow roots of barley.

Conclusions In conclusion, the experiments showed that poplars are capable to redistribute water during drought spells and that this water can facilitate plant growth of shallow-rooted crops. This result implies evidence for an enhanced soil water supply of plants in agroforest systems under drought conditions.