[Changes of foliar delta13C value of Quercus fabric in different root underground habitat types in Karst area]

Selecting the dominant tree species Quercus fabric in three root underground habitat types (the dolomites of low oblique occurrence with multilayer space, middle oblique occurrence with multilayer space, and high oblique occurrence with multilayer space) in Karst area as test object, this paper studied the foliar delta13C value and its correlations with habitat soil conditions, and the plant water use efficiency. There existed remarkable differences in the foliar delta13C value of Q. fabric among the three habitat types, being decreased in the order of low oblique occurrence with multilayer space type (-26.35 per thousand) > high oblique occurrence with multilayer space type (-26.66 per thousand) > middle oblique occurrence with multilayer space type (-27.07 per thousand). Accordingly, the plant water use efficiency decreased in the same order. The foliar delta13C value had significant correlation with habitat soil moisture content, but less correlation with habitat soil elements contents. The delta13C value increased with the decrease of soil moisture content and soil fertility.