Abstract
Seasonally dry tropical forests, like the Caatinga, exhibit natural
precipitation seasonality, influencing water sources for woody
vegetation. This study assessed how seasonality affects the water
dynamics of five deciduous plant species in the Caatinga using isotopic
analyses (δ 2H and δ 18O) of xylem
water, soil, and precipitation across wet, intermediate, and dry
periods. During the wet season, plant isotopic signals were more
enriched than those of soil, with overlapping dual-space isotopic lines.
Despite differences between plant and local meteoric water lines (LMWL),
δ 2H mean values showed no significant variation,
indicating partial reliance on rainwater and soil. In the dry season,
isotopic signals remained enriched, but plant and soil isotopic lines
diverged, reflecting shifts in water sources. Some individuals accessed
shallow soil water layers, evidenced by comparable δ
18O mean values. The study revealed significant
variability in water source dynamics across seasons, with vegetation
primarily relying on shallow soil water and precipitation during wet
periods. However, the exact water sources accessed remain inconclusive
due to methodological limitations. These findings underscore the
complexity of water dynamics in the Caatinga and emphasize the need for
refined methodologies to improve understanding of vegetation water-use
strategies. This knowledge is crucial for informing conservation
strategies in this unique biome, particularly as it faces increasing
pressure from climate change and human activities.