Abstract
Daily variation in water potential was measured inCynodon dactylon in seasonally flooded areas of the Pongolo river floodplain. Soil moisture declined during the dry winter season when the plants were exposed, causing them to experience increasing water stress. Fog and mist appeared to relieve stress but it is concluded that water stress is sufficient to reduce production during exposure. The results are discussed in relation to the timing of flood releases from the upstream Pongolapoort dam and it is concluded that the period of exposure is of less significance than the duration and frequency of inundation in the formulation of guidelines for flood releases from the dam.
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Furness, H.D., Breen, C.M. An assessment of the importance of water stress in seasonally floodedC. dactylon on the Pongolo River floodplain in the formulation of guidelines for controlled flooding. Hydrobiologia 137, 175–184 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00004213
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00004213