Water balance and pattern of root water uptake by a Quercus coccifera L. evergreen srub

Abstract

The water balance of a Quercus coccifera evergreen scrub was studied over 7 consecutive years. This scrub grows on hard limestone. Soil water content was measured with a neutron meter. Calibration curves were calculated from (1) the thermal neutron macroscopic cross-sections of soil (Quercus coccifera consumed considerable quantities of water from the soil-rock complex. Roots could extract 270 mm of water in the first 470 cm of soil. The results showed a gradual downward shift of the zone of maximum root water uptake as the soil dried.