Seasonal changes in the water status of three woody legumes from the Atlantic forest, Caratinga, Brazil

Abstract

The Atlantic forest of Brazil is considered to be a high priority for conservation in South America. Despite its importance, few phenological and ecophysiological data are available for plants of this area. In this study the seasonal changes in the water potentials (Ψ) and the phenological behaviour of three woody legumes are related to environmental conditions, particularly air vapour pressure deficit (VPD). The values of Ψ at predawn were greater than −0.75 MPa for all species even during the dry season (May–September). The minimal daily value of Ψ was −3.8 MPa. The maximum daily amplitude of Ψ (Δ parameter) was correlated with the air vapour pressure deficit, showing high correlation coefficients in linear equations. A high recovery rate of Ψ after rain (greater than 0.80) was registered for all species, suggesting a high hydraulic conductivity. The high values of Ψ at predawn during the year and the strong relationship between the daily amplitude of Ψ and VPD suggested that the changes in the canopy cover are related more to atmospheric drought than to soil water deficit.