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A detailed understanding of plant water relations helps translate climate predictions into
predictions of vegetation response.
Doe, Jane; Doe, John
School of Plant Biology, University of Western Australia. [email protected]
Research over the last decade has deepened our understanding of the variety of processes
involved in plant water acquisition and use. We have learned much about the timing,
magnitude, direction and mechanisms involved in the influx and efflux of water into and out of
plants. Simple ideas of water influx by plant roots have broadened to include how complex root
systems interact with heterogeneous soil water sources, via processes such as hydraulic
redistribution: furthermore, the influx of water into leaves and stems during fog and dew is better
recognized. In the same way, simple ideas of water efflux by transpiration have broadened to
include the important contribution of nighttime transpiration; efflux of water from roots into dry
soil is also better recognised. It is important that such detailed understanding of plant water
relations is brought to discussions of the impacts of climate change. As climate modelers
predict changes to the frequency and amounts of rainfall, and the frequency and duration of
drought, plant biologists must use their knowledge to translate these predictions into predictions
of impacts on plant communities and biogeochemical cycles. I will discuss recent findings
concerning night-time transpiration, occult precipitation, hydraulic redistribution and ecosystem
responses to rain events to add important detail to our understanding of plant-climate
interactions.