Growth and water use of Lolium perenne. II Plant growth.

Published online
07 Jul 1972
Content type
Journal article
Journal title
Journal of Applied Ecology
DOI
10.2307/2402048

Author(s)
Lawlor, D. W.

Publication language
English

Abstract

In Lolium perenne plants leaf and root extension growth decreased by 50% when plant water potential decreased from -3 bar to -6 bar and growth stopped at -16 bar. Dry matter accumulation and leaf area also decreased because of slower expansion growth. A small decrease in soil-water potential had a large effect on growth because of the more rapid decrease in plant water potential due to a large resistance. The causes of increased plant resistance and decreased growth are briefly discussed.

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