Foliar water uptake in arid ecosystems: seasonal variability and ecophysiological consequences

CAVALLARO, AGUSTÍN; CARBONELL SILLETA, LUISINA; PEREYRA, DANIEL A.; GOLDSTEIN, GUILLERMO; SCHOLZ, FABIÁN G.; BUCCI, SANDRA J.

OECOLOGIA

SPRINGER

Año: 2020

0029-8549

Foliar water uptake (FWU) has been reported for different species across several ecosystems types. However little attention has been given to arid ecosystems, where FWU during dew formation or small rain events could ameliorate water deficits. FWU and their effects on leaf water potential (Leaf) were evaluated in grasses and shrubs exploring different soil water sources in a Patagonian steppe. Also seasonal variability in FWU and the role of cell wall elasticity in determining the effects onLeaf were assessed. Eleven small rain events (