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Rock fissure water dominates the water utilization strategies of woody plants in karst epikarst
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DOI：10.1016/j.jhydrol.2026.135570.png)
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Abstract
En 中文
The shallow structure of the karst critical zone is dominated by the epikarst, which consists of a network of dissolved pores and fissures, with rock fissures serving as important storage spaces for water in this region. However, how the availability of water in rock fissures within the epikarst affects the water-use strategies of trees with different rooting depths remains poorly understood. To address this, deep-rooted trees (Ailanthus altissima, Juglans regia) and shallow-rooted trees (Zanthoxylum bungeanum, Eriobotrya japonica) were selected as study species in a typical subtropical karst rocky habitat for one year of field monitoring. We collected plant xylem water, topsoil water, fissure-filled soil water, rock water, and epikarst spring water, and combined stable isotope tracing (delta 2H, delta 18O), the MixSIAR model, and root observations. The results showed that rock fissure water (including fissure-filled soil water and rock water) was the main water source for both plant types, with a total contribution ranging from 64.6% to 71.4%. Deep-rooted plants relied more on fissure-filled soil water during the rainy season (32.2-47.7%) and shifted to rock water in the dry season (40.4-48.9%). In contrast, shallow-rooted plants used both topsoil water (26.5-36.4%) and fissure-filled soil water (37.3-42.8%) during the rainy season, but still depended primarily on fissure-filled soil water in the dry season (38.3-45.3%). The study revealed that the rock fissure system not only functions in water storage but also provides living space for plant roots. This research clarifies the divergence in plant water-use strategies in karst habitats and provides a theoretical basis for understanding plant and water interactions and ecological restoration in karst regions.
Keywords:
Porporato
Editor-in-Chief
Karst
Epikarst
Water utilization strategy
Rock fissure
Seasonal variation
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6.3
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2.3W
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9.8W
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