The spatial variation of leaf traits in <i> Ipomopsis </i> according to soil moisture and snow depth
Abstract
This study analyzed how soil moisture and snow depth correlates with leaf traits of Ipomopsis aggregata across and within populations in the Crested Butte and Gothic, Colorado area. Earlier snowmelt due to global warming is lessening soil moisture in early summer in the Rocky Mountains and potentially affecting leaf traits that aid in photosynthesis. We expected that I. aggregata plants with low water availability to have leaf traits that more efficiently photosynthesize and conserve water. Variation in soil moisture within sites had weak or no effects on the leaf traits, except that stomatal density increased with soil moisture in sites that also had low snowpack. Sites with lower snow depth had lower leaf water content, lower specific leaf area (SLA), and trichome density but showed no average change in stomatal density and diameter. The variation across sites in leaf water content, SLA, and trichome density could be attributed to aiding in efficient photosynthesis and less transpiration in areas where there is drought-stress.
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References (13)
5 in Knowledge Hub, 8 external