Document: JAM-3-32-27

Evapotranspiration from Middle Rio Grande (New Mexico) riparian ecosystems: The roles of flooding and community composition.

CLEVERLY, J.R.* 1, J.R.THIBAULT 1, J.PEARCE 2 and C.N.DAHM 1

University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131-1091 1
Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015 2

Abstract:
Water depletion from rivers in arid and semi-arid regions is a major concern. Along the Middle Rio Grande, spring flooding promotes decomposition and nutrient cycling, as well as the establishment of native species such as Populus deltoides subsp. wislizenii, the Rio Grande Cottonwood. To investigate the roles of flooding and species composition on evapotranspiration, we used a set of 4 3-dimensional eddy covariance systems to quantify the roles of the invasion of saltcedar (Tamarix ramosissima) and flooding management on seasonal evapotranspiration (ET) from a 150 km stretch of the Middle Rio Grande. Baseline ET values were less than 0.2 mm day-1 preceding spring greening. ET increased to a peak of 5.0 mm day-1 at the T. ramosissima unflooded site, while ET rates peaked near 10.0 mm day-1 in the higher density T. ramosissima flooded stand. These ET rates reflected mid-range ET estimates from other studies of saltcedar. Stand density, species composition, and flooding along the length of the river are important considerations in understanding ET-related depletion of water resources and strategies for restoring the riparian corridor to pre-Tamarix conditions.

Keywords: evapotranspiration, saltcedar, cottonwood

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This abstract is being presented at: 1:30 PM in session:
Oral Session #34: Water Relations in Trees.