Plant Water Potential for Shrubs in Argentina

Abstract

Water relations of Prosopis flexuosa, P. caldenia, Condalia microphylla, Larrea divaricata, and Chuquiraga erinacea, 5 shrub species of a temperate semiarid region of Argentina were analyzed by periodic measurement of soil water potential, plant water potential, and air humidity. Water potential in all species showed recovery during the night, the values obtained early in the morning being higher (less negative) than those recorded in the afternoon. Plant water potential showed higher correlation with soil water potential than with the other environmental variables considered. Results indicate that these species have the capacity to adjust to summer drought conditions.