Variation in Water Uptake Dynamics of Dominant Wood Plants of Pinus taiwanensis Hayata Communities Based on Stable Isotopes

Plant community formation is determined by plant competition, while the water uptake depth of vegetation regarded as a critical factor in maintaining species coexistence under competition. However, source variation montane remains poorly understood, especially condition climate change. We introduced stable hydrogen and oxygen isotopes to investigate pattern trees shrubs Pinus taiwanensis Hayata subtropical mountains. The results showed that main sources plants varied with soil content, due variations annual precipitation distribution. In July September, extremely wet conditions, evergreen conifer P. shrub Eurya muricata mainly absorbed from deep layer (40–80 cm, more than 70%). By contrast, deciduous Rhododendron dilatatum largely relied on upper (0–40 75.4%) but same September. August non-growing season (January), when moisture content was low, preferred surface (0–20 above 50%). October, middle (20–40 cm) layers were three plants. great difference between November: (89.5%), R. took up (54.2%) E. predominantly obtained (49.6%) (39.3%). These findings suggest dominant woody has plasticity, its varies content. addition, these co-existing generally similar exhibited hydrological niche overlap, indicating very possible competition future water-limited conditions caused