Dependence of Aspen Stands on a Subsurface Water Subsidy: Implications for Climate Change Impacts

D. M. Love, M. D. Venturas, J. S. Sperry, P. D. Brooks, J. L. Pettit, Y. Wang, W. R.L. Anderegg, X. Tai, D. S. Mackay

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

41 Scopus citations

Abstract

The reliance of 10 Utah (USA) aspen forests on direct infiltration of growing season rain versus an additional subsurface water subsidy was determined from a trait- and process-based model of stomatal control. The model simulated the relationship between water supply to the root zone versus canopy transpiration and assimilation over a growing season. Canopy flux thresholds were identified that distinguished nonstressed, stressed, and dying stands. We found growing season rain and local soil moisture were insufficient for the survival of 5 of 10 stands. Six stands required a substantial subsidy (31–80% of potential seasonal transpiration) to avoid water stress and maximize photosynthetic potential. Subsidy dependence increased with stand hydraulic conductance. Four of the six “subsidized” stands were predicted to be stressed during the survey year owing to a subsidy shortfall. Since winter snowpack is closely related to groundwater recharge in the region, we compared winter precipitation with tree-ring chronologies. Consistent with model predictions, chronologies were more sensitive to snowpack in subsidized stands than in nonsubsidized ones. The results imply that aspen stand health in the region is more coupled to winter snowpack than to growing season water supply. Winters are predicted to have less precipitation as snow, indicating a stressful future for the region's aspen forests.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1833-1848
Number of pages16
JournalWater Resources Research
Volume55
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2019

Keywords

  • climate change
  • plant hydraulics
  • subsurface water subsidy
  • transpiration
  • tree mortality
  • xylem

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Water Science and Technology

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