Journal article
The potential for deep groundwater use by Acacia papyrocarpa (Western myall) in a water‐limited environment
Ecohydrology, Vol.10(1), pp.1-10
2017
Abstract
Knowledge regarding the use of groundwater by plants has implications for successful mine rehabilitation and revegetation programs in water‐limited environments. In this study, we combined several approaches to investigate water sources used by Acacia papyrocarpa (Western myall) in the far west of South Australia, including stable isotopes, water potential, groundwater and soil chemistry, and root mapping techniques. Plant δ18O signatures and water potentials were compared against a range of possible sources: rainwater, surface soil water (≤1 m depth), and deep groundwater (>20 m depth). Our aim was to determine whether groundwater contributed to the mix of waters used by A. papyrocarpa. Overall, we found that trees did not source surface soil water (≤1 m), and probably sourced deep soil water (i.e. >1 m) rather than deep groundwater. Groundwater, however, could not be dismissed as a potential source, as root mapping showed tree roots were capable of reaching groundwater at depths >20 m, and isotope results indicated a potential contribution by groundwater to tree water use. However, low osmotic potentials and/or high acidity levels were shown to pose likely barriers to groundwater uptake, at least at the time of sampling. We conclude that because groundwater salinity and acidity are spatially variable in this region, plants with extensive root systems may be able to utilize zones of groundwater with lower salinity and pH levels. Overall, this study contributes to our limited understanding of groundwater use by trees occurring in water‐limited environments where groundwater is extremely deep (>20 m depth).
Details
- Title
- The potential for deep groundwater use by Acacia papyrocarpa (Western myall) in a water‐limited environment
- Authors
- Emma K Steggles (Author) - The University of AdelaideKate L Holland (Author) - CSIRO Land and WaterDavid Chittleborough (Author) - The University of AdelaideSamantha L Doudle (Author) - Iluka Resources Ltd. (Australia)Laurence J Clarke (Author) - The University of AdelaideJennifer R Watling (Author) - Manchester Metropolitan UniversityJosé M Facelli (Author) - The University of Adelaide
- Publication details
- Ecohydrology, Vol.10(1), pp.1-10
- Publisher
- John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
- Date published
- 2017
- DOI
- 10.1002/eco.1791
- ISSN
- 1936-0592; 1936-0584
- Copyright note
- This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Steggles, EK., Holland, KL., Chittleborough, DJ., Doudle, SL., Clarke, LJ., Watling, JR., Facelli, JM. The potential for deep groundwater use by Acacia papyrocarpa (Western myall) in a water-limited environment. Ecohydrol. 2017; 10:e1791. doi:10.1002/eco.1791, which has been published in final form at doi:10.1002/eco.1791. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions. This article may not be enhanced, enriched or otherwise transformed into a derivative work, without express permission from Wiley or by statutory rights under applicable legislation. Copyright notices must not be removed, obscured or modified. The article must be linked to Wiley’s version of record on Wiley Online Library and any embedding, framing or otherwise making available the article or pages thereof by third parties from platforms, services and websites other than Wiley Online Library must be prohibited.
- Grants
- Organisation Unit
- School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; School of Science, Technology and Engineering; Sustainability Research Cluster
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99472608302621
- Output Type
- Journal article
Metrics
8 File views/ downloads
37 Record Views
InCites Highlights
These are selected metrics from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool, related to this output
- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Web Of Science research areas
- Ecology
- Environmental Sciences
- Water Resources
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
Source: InCites