[Characteristics and processes of reverse sap flow of Platycladus orientalis based on stable isotope technique and...

Plants could maintain growth by foliar water uptake and reverse sap flow under certain conditions, particularly in regions with seasonal drought. This physiological activity is often overlooked, however, leaving a gap in quantitatively understanding the processes and mechanisms underlying water utilization of forest vegetation under drought stress. In this study, with both field comparison experiments and pot experiments, we used heat ratio method with stable isotope technique to monitor a typical plantation tree species, Platycladus orientalis, in the Beijing mountainous area. We aimed to analyze the patterns and the influencing factors of the reverse sap flow occurrence in P. orientalis, to quantify the amount and the replenishment rate of reverse sap flow, and to examine the characteristics and processes of reverse sap flow at different parts of plants. In the field comparison experiment, reverse sap flow was detected at the breast height of stem and in the root in the controlled plot (drought plot) after rainfall. The reverse sap flow of root system was detected later than that in the stem. By contrast, no reverse sap flow was observed in the natural plot. In the pot experiments, the recharge rate of all the groups reached the peak value two hours after the rainfall treatment. Except for the groups of severe and moderate drought, recovery of δD to the original level was observed eight hours after rainfall, and the reverse sap flow on plants generally lasted no more than 24 h. The amount of foliar water uptake and the reverse sap flow to the branches and rhizosphere soil had a negative relationship with the initial soil moisture. The maximum recharge rates for leaves, branches, and rhizosphere soil were (9.5±0.1)%, (5.9±0.3)% and (5.7%±0.6)%, respectively. Different rates and timing of the reverse sap flow were observed at different parts of P. orientalis. Under complex and variable conditions of water supply, it is of great significance to examine the process and mechanism of reverse water movement of plants to better understand its survival and competitive strategies.