Relationships between leaf morphologies and stomatal traits of Achnatherum splendens under different soil moistures...

The interplay between leaf and stomata is fundamental for the exchange of carbon and water between plants and the atmosphere. This relationship is pivotal for comprehending the connections between the physical structure and physiological metabolism of plant leaves under various conditions. A study examining the relationship between leaf morphological traits and stomatal traits of the Achnatherum splendens under varying natural soil moisture conditions was conducted along the southern shore of Hulun Lake in Inner Mongolia. In our study, stomatal density (SD) and stomatal relative area (SRA) significantly decreased, while stomatal width (SW), leaf length (LL), leaf area (LA) and leaf dry weight (LDW) increased correspondingly with rising soil moisture. A significant positive correlation between the stomatal traits and leaf morphological traits was observed through principal component analysis (PCA) and permutation test, indicating that the functional traits of leaf morphologies and stomata of A. splendens exhibit a positive relationship. The results reveal the resource utilization strategies of A. splendens in response to varying soil water conditions, offering a scientific data foundation and theoretical support for the management of A. splendens grassland, ecological restoration, and the strategic planning of animal husbandry in Inner Mongolia.