Abstract Detail

Physiology & Ecophysiology

Spitz, Bethany [1], Miller, J'nae [2], Glover, Breauna [2], Ahedor, Adjoa [3].

Measurements of Evapotranspiration rates in Eastern redcedar (Juniperus viginiana) and Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda).

Tree species native to Oklahoma are primarily deciduous with a few evergreen conifers such as the Eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana) and Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda). In the last half-century, eastern redcedar has become a problem as they proliferate and expand their range. Once controlled by wildfires and prescribed burns, redcedar populations and range were limited to areas like canyons, creek bottoms, and other areas protected from fires. As the state became more populated, wildfires were suppressed and controlled burns have become more hazardous. Eastern redcedars cause many environmental problems: they are a fire hazard, they change the ecosystem affecting the animals that live in the area, they outcompete other tree and grass species, as well as negatively impact the water supply. They are also thought to contribute to aridity, which is a problem in a state often affected by drought. Evergreen conifers undertake physiological processes throughout the year including winter seasons. Thus to effectively manage the impact of redcedars in Oklahoma, there is the need to determine water use in redcedars. Therefore the objective of this experiment was to compare the evapotranspiration rates of Loblolly Pine and Eastern redcedar during the winter and spring seasons. The ends of branches were securely bagged for 24-hour periods, moisture collected in bags were weighed and analyzed. Preliminary data showed that even in dryer conditions during late winter Eastern redcedar took up more water than the Loblolly pine. After periods of spring rainfall, both trees produced more water than recorded in the winter, but on most days the Eastern redcedar produced more despite being a smaller trees.

1 - Rose State College, 6420 S.E. 15th Street, Mid West City, OK, 73110, USA
2 - Rose State College, 6420 S.E. 15th Street, Mid West City, OK, 73110
3 - Rose State College, Engineering And Science, 6420 S.E. 15th Street, Midwest City, OK, 73110, USA

Keywords:
Aridity
Wildfires
invasive species
conifers.

Presentation Type: Poster
Session: P, Physiology & Ecophysiology
Location: Exhibit Hall/Omni Hotel
Date: Monday, June 26th, 2017
Time: 5:30 PM This poster will be presented at 5:30 pm. The Poster Session runs from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Posters with odd poster numbers are presented at 5:30 pm, and posters with even poster numbers are presented at 6:15 pm.
Number: PPE011
Abstract ID:539
Candidate for Awards:None