Spatial and seasonal patterns of water use in Mediterranean coastal dune vegetation

Abstract Aims This paper examines the water dynamics of a coastal dune plant community, addressing spatial and seasonal variations. We aimed to detect patterns use by plants at community level according their distribution across gradient from beach inland. Methods Five sites were established: upper beach, embryo-dune, slack, foredune, Eight perennial species collected seasonally analyse isotopic composition potential. Soil samples 3 depths, groundwater, atmosphere, obtained determine sources. Results The Inland foredune communities, Retama , Juniperus Helichrysum showed most stable signal throughout year. On contrary, abundant on slack ( Ammophila Achillea Polygonum ) highest variability. Water deficit decreased dependence shallow mid-soil layers along beach-inland gradient. Beach embryo-dune less negative leaf potential values than other positions in Conclusions Three factors mark proportion sources used for vegetation vegetation: composition, distance sea, seasonality. Coastal exhibited species-specific response uptake that was modified its location From inland, communities slight progressive increase deeper layers. pattern similar overlapped with wet dry pattern.