Ecophysiological Responses of C3 Forbs and C4 Grasses to Drought and Rain on a Tallgrass Prairie in Northeastern Kansas

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Issue Date
1991Author
Martin, Craig E.
Harris, Fred S.
Norman, Frank J.
Publisher
University of Chicago Press
Type
Article
Article Version
Scholarly/refereed, publisher version
Published Version
http://www.jstor.org/stable/2995208Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Ecophysiological responses to drought and a 3-cm rain were measured in seven C3 forb and five C4
grass species on a tallgrass prairie in northeastern Kansas. In general, midday leaf water potentials and
conductances increased after rain to a greater extent in the C3 forbs, although exceptions occurred. In
particular, the deeply rooted Silphium laciniatum showed little or no change in water potential and three
of the five grass species exhibited no change in conductance. Although the above differences in species
and life-form responses were noted, few of the species exhibited signs of severe stress at the height of the
drought, emphasizing the degree to which both C3 forbs and C4 grasses are adapted to occasional severe
droughts in the prairies of North America.
Description
This is the publisher's official version, also available electronically at: http://www.jstor.org/stable/2995208.
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Citation
Martin, C.E., F.S. Harris, and F. J. Norman. 1991. Ecophysiological responses of C3 forbs and C4 grasses to drought and rain on a tallgrass prairie in northeastern Kansas. Bot. Gaz. 152: 257-262.
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