Photosynthesis of Populus euphratica and its response to elevated CO2 concentration in an arid environment

The photosynthetic characterization of Populus euphratica and its response to the elevated carbon dioxide concentration ([CO2]) were analyzed based on its net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (gs), intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), transpiration rate (Tr), and water use efficiency (WUE) at different groundwater depths measured by a portable gas exchange system (LI-6400) in the lower reaches of the Tarim River. The results showed that the elevation of [CO2] decreased the gs, and increased the Pn, Ci and WUE of P. euphratica. However, the effects of the elevated [CO2] on gs, Pn, Ci and WUE varied considerably with groundwater depth. The response of photosynthesis to rising [CO2] was stronger at the greater groundwater depth (more than 6 m) than that at the shallower groundwater depth (less than 6 m). The critical groundwater depth required to maintain the normal survival of P. euphratica was less than 6 m. When the groundwater depth increased to more than 6 m, P. euphratica encountered moderate water stress, and the plant suffered severe water stress when the groundwater depth increased to more than 7 m.