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Fine root growth dynamics of four Mojave Desert shrubs as related to soil moisture and microsite

Authors :
Wilcox, Carolyn S.
Ferguson, Joseph W.
Fernandez, George C.J.
Nowak, Robert S.
Source :
Journal of Arid Environments. Jan2004, Vol. 56 Issue 1, p129. 20p.
Publication Year :
2004

Abstract

Water is generally considered to be the major limiting factor for perennial shrub growth in the Mojave Desert, USA. However, the responses of active fine roots to soil moisture and microsite differed among Ambrosia dumosa, Ephedra nevadensis, Larrea tridentata, and Lycium pallidum, suggesting differences in root foraging strategies. Ambrosia and Ephedra had a positive linear relationship between active fine root lengths and soil moisture and more roots under the canopy, whereas Larrea had a negative linear relationship and more roots in the interspace. Lycium did not show a significant root/water relationship or significant differences between canopy and interspace microsites. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
01401963
Volume :
56
Issue :
1
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Journal of Arid Environments
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
10984571
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-1963(02)00324-5