Understanding how soil influences plant water use is critical for predicting ecosystem responses to drought and climate change. Our recent study highlights how soil texture—whether sandy or clay-like—directly impacts when plants begin to limit transpiration by closing stomata.
In sandy soils, plants restrict water loss sooner than in clay soils, which hold moisture better. These findings reveal that ecosystems on sandy soils are more vulnerable to drought, while those on clay are influenced more by atmospheric dryness.
This research emphasizes the need to incorporate soil hydraulic properties into climate models and agricultural strategies, particularly for breeding drought-resistant crops and predicting vegetation responses. Improved data collection on soil properties and their dynamic interaction with plant roots could further enhance these models.
The study underscores the interconnectedness of soil, plants, and atmospheric conditions, offering a vital framework for managing ecosystems under increasing climate pressures.
Read the full paper here: Wankmüller, F. J. P. et al. Global influence of soil texture on ecosystem water limitation. Nature 635, 631–638 (2024).
Comments