Stable carbon isotope composition (δ¹³C) of Acacia tortilis subsp. spirocarpa (A. Rich.) Brenan at three semi-arid sites in Kenya

• From: Department for International Development
• Published: 1 January 1996

• Document Type: Journal Article
• Theme: Climate and Environment
• Authors: Newton, A.C., Dick, J.McP., Heaton, T.H.E.

Abstract

Carbon isotope ratios (δ¹³C) were obtained from foliage and branch wood samples of Acacia tortilis grown with and without microbial inoculation, on three semi-arid sites in Kenya. δ¹³C ratios were higher in trees grown on the two drier sites than on the wetter site. In addition, δ¹³C ratios of seedlings inoculated with a mixed microbial inoculum (VA mycorrhiza with rhizobia) were higher than un-inoculated controls at the wetter site. These preliminary results suggest that Acacia tortilis trees growing on drier sites display relatively high water-use efficiencies, and that in some situations microbial inoculation may increase water-use efficiency of out-planted trees.

Citation

Journal of Arid Environments (1996) 34 (3) 325-330

Links

Stable carbon isotope composition (δ¹³C) of Acacia tortilis subsp. spirocarpa (A. Rich.) Brenan at three semi-arid sites in Kenya

Published 1 January 1996