Papers by J.D. Lewis
New Phytologist, 2012
The response of nocturnal stomatal conductance (g(s,n)) to rising atmospheric CO(2) concentration... more The response of nocturnal stomatal conductance (g(s,n)) to rising atmospheric CO(2) concentration ([CO(2)]) is currently unknown, and may differ from responses of daytime stomatal conductance (g(s,d)). Because night-time water fluxes can have a significant impact on landscape water budgets, an understanding of the effects of [CO(2)] and temperature on g(s,n) is crucial for predicting water fluxes under future climates. Here, we examined the effects of [CO(2)] (280, 400 and 640 μmol mol(-1)), temperature (ambient and ambient + 4°C) and drought on g(s,n,) and g(s,d) in Eucalyptus sideroxylon saplings. g(s,n) was substantially higher than zero, averaging 34% of g(s,d). Before the onset of drought, g(s,n) increased by 85% when [CO(2)] increased from 280 to 640 μmol mol(-1), averaged across both temperature treatments. g(s,n) declined with drought, but an increase in [CO(2)] slowed this decline. Consequently, the soil water potential at which g(s,n) was zero (Ψ(0)) was significantly more negative in elevated [CO(2)] and temperature treatments. g(s,d) showed inconsistent responses to [CO(2)] and temperature. g (s,n) may be higher in future climates, potentially increasing nocturnal water loss and susceptibility to drought, but cannot be predicted easily from g(s,d). Therefore, predictive models using stomatal conductance must account for both g(s,n) and g(s,d) when estimating ecosystem water fluxes.
Tree physiology, 2014
Total daily water use is a key factor influencing the growth of many terrestrial plants, and refl... more Total daily water use is a key factor influencing the growth of many terrestrial plants, and reflects both day-time and nocturnal water fluxes. However, while nocturnal sap flow (En) and stomatal conductance (gs,n) have been reported across a range of species, ecosystems and microclimatic conditions, the regulation of these fluxes remains poorly understood. Here, we present a framework describing the role of abiotic and biotic factors in regulating En and gs,n highlighting recent developments in this field. Across ecosystems, En and gs,n generally increased with increasing soil water content and vapor pressure deficit, but the interactive effects of these factors and the potential roles of wind speed and other abiotic factors remain unclear. On average, gs,n and En are higher in broad-leaved compared with needle-leaved plants, in C3 compared with C4 plants, and in tropical compared with temperate species. We discuss the impacts of leaf age, elevated [CO2] and refilling of capacitanc...
ABSTRACT Background/Question/Methods The global hydrological cycle is predicted to become more in... more ABSTRACT Background/Question/Methods The global hydrological cycle is predicted to become more intense, or extreme in future climates, with both larger precipitation events and longer times between events. The resulting wide fluctuations in soil water content (long droughts followed by flooding) may dramatically affect terrestrial ecosystems. Although effects of drought are well studied, tree responses to changed timing of precipitation are mostly unknown. Further, in future extreme precipitation is likely to occur in conjunction with elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations [CO2]. We tested the impact of extreme precipitation and elevated [CO2] on plant growth and water relations. Ten Acacia auriculiformis and Eucalyptus tetradonta saplings were grown in glasshouses, with ambient (380 p.p.m.) and elevated (600 p.p.m.) [CO2] and subject to ambient (1L weekly) and extreme (2L fortnightly) watering conditions (four treatments). We tested whether: (1) plants would show differential water stress and growth under extreme precipitation compared with ambient water treatments; and (2) plants would show differential water stress and growth responses under elevated compared with ambient [CO2] treatments. Results/Conclusions We found that the extreme precipitation, compared to ambient precipitation, lead to more water stressed plants, with more negative leaf water potential and lower stomatal conductance in both species. Further, plants experiencing extreme precipitation had a higher proportion of root volume at depth within the Eucalyptus. In contrast, the root depth of Acacia was similar across all treatments. Leaf area was smaller in extreme precipitation compared with ambient for Acacias, whereas leaf area was comparable across watering treatments in Eucalypts. Elevated CO2had no impact on leaf water potential, stomatal conductance during the day or proportion of root depth. The Acacia, from tropical dry forest ecosystems, showed more signs of water stress (more negative leaf water potential and lower stomatal conductance) than the Eucalyptus, from savanna ecosystems. This suggests Eucalyptus saplings may tolerate water stress imposed by extreme precipitation better than Acacias, perhaps influencing community structure in tropical ecosystems.
Tree Physiology
Nocturnal water flux has been observed in trees under a variety of environmental conditions and c... more Nocturnal water flux has been observed in trees under a variety of environmental conditions and can be a significant contributor to diel canopy water flux. Elevated atmospheric CO(2) (elevated [CO(2)]) can have an important effect on day-time plant water fluxes, but it is not known whether it also affects nocturnal water fluxes. We examined the effects of elevated [CO(2)] on nocturnal water flux of field-grown Eucalyptus saligna trees using sap flux through the tree stem expressed on a sapwood area (J(s)) and leaf area (E(t)) basis. After 19 months growth under well-watered conditions, drought was imposed by withholding water for 5 months in the summer, ending with a rain event that restored soil moisture. Reductions in J(s) and E(t) were observed during the severe drought period in the dry treatment under elevated [CO(2)], but not during moderate- and post-drought periods. Elevated [CO(2)] affected night-time sap flux density which included the stem recharge period, called 'tot...
New Phytologist
The response of nocturnal stomatal conductance (g(s,n)) to rising atmospheric CO(2) concentration... more The response of nocturnal stomatal conductance (g(s,n)) to rising atmospheric CO(2) concentration ([CO(2)]) is currently unknown, and may differ from responses of daytime stomatal conductance (g(s,d)). Because night-time water fluxes can have a significant impact on landscape water budgets, an understanding of the effects of [CO(2)] and temperature on g(s,n) is crucial for predicting water fluxes under future climates. Here, we examined the effects of [CO(2)] (280, 400 and 640 μmol mol(-1)), temperature (ambient and ambient + 4°C) and drought on g(s,n,) and g(s,d) in Eucalyptus sideroxylon saplings. g(s,n) was substantially higher than zero, averaging 34% of g(s,d). Before the onset of drought, g(s,n) increased by 85% when [CO(2)] increased from 280 to 640 μmol mol(-1), averaged across both temperature treatments. g(s,n) declined with drought, but an increase in [CO(2)] slowed this decline. Consequently, the soil water potential at which g(s,n) was zero (Ψ(0)) was significantly more...
Due to advances in technology allowing observations of low flow rates, we now have abundant evide... more Due to advances in technology allowing observations of low flow rates, we now have abundant evidence of nocturnal sap flow occurring in a range of species, ecosystems, and under various microclimatic conditions. This paper synthesises the conditions that facilitate nocturnal sap flow and evaluates possible mechanisms. The microclimatic variables which affect nocturnal water fluxes, such as temperature, vapour pressure deficit, wind speed, and soil water content are described, as well as the impact of phenology, or leaf age on nocturnal water loss. Some unexpected and counter-intuitive responses of nocturnal sap flux and stomatal conductance under elevated CO2 are discussed. Additionally, we discuss the possible role of embolism refilling, and recharge of capacitance, occurring when sap flow takes place while stomata are closed.
Publications by J.D. Lewis
Plant survivorship depends on biotic and abiotic factors that vary at local and regional scales. ... more Plant survivorship depends on biotic and abiotic factors that vary at local and regional scales. This survivorship, in turn, has cascading effects on community composition and the physical structure of vegetation. Survivorship of native plant species is variable among populations planted in environmentally stressful habitats like urban roofs, but the degree to which factors at different spatial scales affect survivorship in urban systems is not well understood. We evaluated the effects of biotic and abiotic factors on survivorship, composition and physical structure of two native perennial species assemblages, one characterized by a mixture of C4 grasses and forbs (Hempstead Plains: HP) and one characterized by a mixture of C3 grasses and forbs (Rocky Summit: RS), that were initially sown at equal ratios of growth forms (5:1:4; grass, N-fixing forb and non-N-fixing forb) in replicate 2-m2 plots planted on 10 roofs in New York City (NY, USA). Of 24,000 installed plants, 40% survived 23 months after planting. Within-roof factors explained 71% of variation in survivorship, with biotic (species identity and assemblage) factors accounting for 54% of the overall variation, and abiotic (growing medium depth and plot location) factors explaining 17% of the variation. Among-roof factors explained 29% of variation in survivorship and increased solar radiation correlated with decreased survivorship. While growing medium properties (pH, nutrients, metals) differed among roofs there was no correlation with survivorship. Percent cover and sward height increased with increasing survivorship. At low survivorship, cover of the HP assemblage was greater compared to the RS assemblage. Sward height of the HP assemblage was about two times greater compared to the RS assemblage. These results highlight the effects of local biotic and regional abiotic drivers on community composition and physical structure of green roof vegetation. As a result, initial green roof plant composition and roof microclimate may have long-term effects on community dynamics, ecosystem function, and urban biodiversity.
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Papers by J.D. Lewis
Publications by J.D. Lewis