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Plant and environmental factors associated with drought-induced mortality in two facultative phreatophytic trees

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Abstract

Background and Aims

Drought-induced mortality of tree species is increasing globally. We aimed to investigate spatial patterns and size dependence of mortality of two dominant tree species (Banksia menziesii R. Br and B. attenuata R. Br) capable of accessing shallow watertables in a Banksia-Allocasuarina-Eucalyptus woodland.

Methods

Living and dead trees were mapped within two plots: a high site (55 m to watertable) and a low site (9–20 m to watertable). Diameter at breast height (DBH) (cm) was measured and year of death estimated for deceased trees.

Results

Tree mortality was higher for most species in the high site. Across sites mortality was greatest during 2011 for most species including Banksia trees following the 2010 drought. Species differences in mortality were observed between B. attenuata and B. menziesii in the high site only. A greater number of large dead Banksias was observed in the high site. Spatial analysis indicated that local scale competition did not contribute to the death of these Banksias, however stand-level competition may have occurred.

Conclusions

We conclude that drought-induced mortality of Banksia trees is more prevalent in landscape regions where trees cannot access the watertable and due to greater water demands of larger trees, mortality is more frequent in these individuals.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge Professor Adrian Baddeley (University of Western Australia), Associate Professor George Perry (University of Auckland) for statistical advice, Mr Vitor Pistoia (University of Western Australia) for field assistance and Mr Steve Easton and Mr Ryan Glowacki (Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority) for site logistic and experimental planning. The research was supported under Australian Research Councils Linkage projects and funding scheme (project number LP140100736).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Plant Biology, Faculty of Science, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia

    A. Challis, J. C. Stevens & B. P. Miller

  2. Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority, Science Directorate, West Perth, WA, 6005, Australia

    A. Challis, J. C. Stevens & B. P. Miller

  3. School of Earth and Environment, Faculty of Science, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia

    G. McGrath

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  1. A. Challis
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  3. G. McGrath
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Correspondence to A. Challis.

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Challis, A., Stevens, J.C., McGrath, G. et al. Plant and environmental factors associated with drought-induced mortality in two facultative phreatophytic trees. Plant Soil 404, 157–172 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-016-2793-5

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