Analyses of water dependency of Haloxylon ammodendron in arid regions of Iran using stable isotope technique

The complex relationships within desert ecosystems and their environmental conditions are reflected in patterns of plant water use. Thus, understanding the sources of water used by plants in these areas is crucial for effective resource management. In this study, we investigated the water use pattern of Haloxylon ammodendron in Semnan province, in the central plateau of Iran, using the stable isotope analysis. We employed a simple, homemade cryogenic vacuum distillation (CVD) system to directly extract water from soil samples and different plant components for subsequent analysis by mass spectrometer. The contribution of each possible water source to the plant xylem water was estimated using the IsoSource mixing model. The pattern of δ 18 O values in the xylem water of H. ammodendron indicated its reliance on groundwater as a primary water resource during the wet season. Additionally, the correlation of sand particles with both δ 2 H and δ 18 O was found to be 0.32. Moreover, the δ 18 O values of H. ammodendron xylem water were mainly similar to those of groundwater, suggesting the species’ dominant use of groundwater. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for strategically planting H. ammodendron to mitigate impacts on groundwater resources and ensure long-term sustainability in arid and semi-arid regions.