Co-Evolution of Xylem Water and Soil Water Stable Isotopic Composition in a Northern Mixed Forest Biome

Plant–soil water isotopic dynamics in northern forests have been understudied relative to other forest types; nevertheless, such information can provide insight into how such forests may respond to hydroclimatic change. This study examines the co-evolution of xylem water and soil water stable isotopic compositions in a northern mixed forest in Ontario, Canada. Gross precipitation, bulk soil water and xylem water were sampled from pre-leaf out to post-senescence in 2016 for eastern white cedar, eastern hemlock, red oak and eastern white pine. Near-bole soil water contents and mobile soil water isotopic compositions were measured for the last three species. Mobile soil water did not deviate significantly from the local meteoric water line (LMWL). In contrast, near-surface bulk soil water showed significant evaporative enrichment relative to the LMWL from pre-leaf out to peak leaf out under all tree canopies, while xylem water was significantly depleted in ¹⁸ O and particularly ² H relative to bulk soil water throughout the growing season. Inter-species differences in deviation of xylem water from the LMWL and their temporal changes emerged during the growing season, with coniferous species xylem water becoming isotopically enriched, while that of red oak became more depleted in ² H and ¹⁸ O. These divergences occurred despite thin soil cover (generally < 0.5 m depth to bedrock) which would constrain inter-species differences in tree rooting depths in this landscape. Isotopic fractionation at the tree root and fractionation of xylem water via evaporation through the tree bark are among the most plausible potential explanations for deviations between xylem and soil water isotopic compositions. Differences in the timing and intensity of water use between deciduous and coniferous trees may account for inter-specific variations in xylem water isotopic composition and its temporal evolution during the growing season in this northern forest landscape.