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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Effects of ozone and water stress on canopy temperature, water use, and water-use efficiency of alfalfa

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6654832

Ozone (O/sub 3/) and soil water deficit are two environmental stresses that significantly affect the growth and yield of alfalfa. However, little is known of the responses of field-grown alfalfa to O/sub 3/, and the effects of the interaction between O/sub 3/ and water stress on canopy temperature and water relations of alfalfa have not been previously reported. Water use, rate of soil-water depletion, or depth of effective rooting zone were not affected by O/sub 3/, whereas water stress significantly reduced all three. Water-use efficiency was significantly reduced by O/sub 3/. The effects of O/sub 3/ on WUE were attributed to premature senescence and abscission of older alfalfa leaves.

Research Organization:
California Univ., Riverside (USA). Statewide Air Pollution Research Center
OSTI ID:
6654832
Report Number(s):
PB-88-251756/XAB
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English