Experimental evidence for drought induced alternative stable states of soil moisture

David. A. Robinson; Scott B. Jones; Inma Lebron; Sabine Reinsch; Maria T. Dominguez; Andrew R. Smith; Davey L. Jones; Miles R. Marshall; Bridget A. Emmett

doi:10.1038/srep20018

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Experimental evidence for drought induced alternative stable states of soil moisture

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Experimental evidence for drought induced alternative stable states of soil moisture

David. A. Robinson, Scott B. Jones, Inma Lebron, Sabine Reinsch, Maria T. Dominguez, Andrew R. Smith, Davey L. Jones, Miles R. Marshall and Bridget A. Emmett

Scientific reports, Vol.6(1), 20018

2016

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/srep20018

PMCID: PMC4726285

PMID: 26804897

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Abstract

Multidisciplinary Sciences

Science & Technology

Science & Technology - Other Topics

Ecosystems may exhibit alternative stable states (ASS) in response to environmental change. Modelling and observational data broadly support the theory of ASS, however evidence from manipulation experiments supporting this theory is limited. Here, we provide long-term manipulation and observation data supporting the existence of drought induced alternative stable soil moisture states (irreversible soil wetting) in upland Atlantic heath, dominated by Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull. Manipulated repeated moderate summer drought, and intense natural summer drought both lowered resilience resulting in shifts in soil moisture dynamics. The repeated moderate summer drought decreased winter soil moisture retention by similar to 10%. However, intense summer drought, superimposed on the experiment, that began in 2003 and peaked in 2005 caused an unexpected erosion of resilience and a shift to an ASS; both for the experimental drought manipulation and control plots, impairing the soil from rewetting in winter. Measurements outside plots, with vegetation removal, showed no evidence of moisture shifts. Further independent evidence supports our findings from historical soil moisture monitoring at a long-term upland hydrological observatory. The results herald the need for a new paradigm regarding our understanding of soil structure, hydraulics and climate interaction.

Details

Title: Experimental evidence for drought induced alternative stable states of soil moisture
Authors/Creators: David. A. Robinson - UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
Scott B. Jones - Utah State University
Inma Lebron - UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
Sabine Reinsch - UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
Maria T. Dominguez - Instituto de Productos Naturales y Agrobiología
Andrew R. Smith - Bangor University
Davey L. Jones - Bangor University
Miles R. Marshall - UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
Bridget A. Emmett - UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
Publication Details: Scientific reports, Vol.6(1), 20018
Publisher: Springer Nature
Number of pages: 6
Grant note: 227628 / EU project VULCAN 227628; FP7-INFRASTRUCTURE-2008-1 / EU project INCREASE 227628 / EU project CLIMOOR NE/K015508/1 / NERC; UK Research & Innovation (UKRI); Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) ceh020008 / Natural Environment Research Council; UK Research & Innovation (UKRI); Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
Identifiers: 991005560333907891
Copyright: © 2016 Robinson, D. A. et al.
Murdoch Affiliation: Centre for Sustainable Farming Systems
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Citation topics: 3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology; 3.40 Forestry; 3.40.838 Rangeland Dynamics
Web Of Science research areas: Environmental Sciences
ESI research areas: Environment/Ecology