Irrigation effects on growth and water use of Quercus virginiana (Mill.) on a Texas lignite surface-mined site

Michael G. Messina, Jackie E. Duncan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Three different irrigation regimes (100%-high, 67%-medium and 33%-low of estimated well-watered conditions) were applied to Quercus virginiana (live oak) seedlings on reclaimed lignite surface-mined soils in central Texas as a means to study the physiology and growth of seedlings during establishment. The study period was 4 July 1990 through 30 September 1990. Transpiration, stomatal conductance and water potential were significantly higher (α = 0.05) in the high treatment than in the low and medium treatments. Favorable water status contributed to somewhat greater seedling growth in the high treatment than in the low and medium treatments. Greater growth was associated with favorable seedling water potential, high stomatal conductance and rapid transpiration in the high treatment. Physiological responses and growth characteristics indicated that an irrigation rate of 1.2 kg·d-1 per seedling during the dry summer months was sufficient for seedling survival and establishment. An irrigation rate of 3.8 kg·d-1 per seedling promoted rapid seedling growth in addition to ensuring establishment.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)265-280
Number of pages16
JournalAgricultural Water Management
Volume24
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1993

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Agronomy and Crop Science
  • Water Science and Technology
  • Soil Science
  • Earth-Surface Processes

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