Tree allocation dynamics beyond heat and hot drought stress reveal changes in carbon storage, belowground translocation and growth

Heatwaves combined with drought affect tree functioning with as yet undetermined legacy effects on carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) allocation. We continuously monitored shoot and root gas exchange, delta(CO2)-C-13 of respiration and stem growth in well-watered and drought-treated Pinus sylvestris (Scots pine) seedlings exposed to increasing daytime temperatures (max. 42 degrees C) and evaporative demand. Following stress release, we used (CO2)-C-13 canopy pulse-labeling, supplemented by soil-applied N-15, to determine allocation to plant compartments, respiration and soil microbial biomass (SMB) over 2.5 wk. Previously heat-treated seedlings rapidly translocated C-13 along the long-distance transport path, to root respiration (R-root; 7.1 h) and SMB (3 d). Furthermore, C-13 accumulated in branch cellulose, suggesting secondary growth enhancement. However, in recovering drought-heat seedlings, the mean residence time of C-13 in needles increased, whereas C translocation to R-root was delayed (13.8 h) and C-13 incorporated into starch rather than cellulose. Concurrently, we observed stress-induced low N uptake and aboveground allocation. C and N allocation during early recovery were affected by stress type and impact. Although C uptake increased quickly in both treatments, drought-heat in combination reduced the above-belowground coupling and starch accumulated in leaves at the expense of growth. Accordingly, C allocation during recovery depends on phloem translocation capacity.

Automated summary

Heatwaves combined with drought affect tree functioning with unknown consequences on carbon and nitrogen allocation. Recovery of plants from stress is influenced by stress type and duration, impacting both above and belowground allocation.