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Influence of Windbreaks on Leaf Water Status in Spring Wheat¹

Spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was grown for 2 years with three shelter conditions: (a) exposed, (b) surrounded by a slat barrier, and (c) adjacent to tree shelterbelts. Leaf water potential, stomatal diffusion resistance, and meteorological factors were monitored on selected days. The shelterbelt and slat-barrier plots received 28 and 69% as much wind as the exposed plot, respectively. Air temperature was slightly higher in the sheltered plots. Vapor pressure deficits were similar for all three conditions. Generally, leaf water potential was consistently lower in the exposed compared to the sheltered plots. The more favorable leaf water potentials were associated with those plots receiving less total wind movement. Stomatal diffusion resistance was less and at a lower leaf water potential for exposed compared to sheltered plants. The data indicate that water relations of wheat plants are more favorable for plant growth and yield when grown with shelter compared to exposed conditions.

Key Words: Shelterbelts • Barriers • Leafwater potential • Stomatal diffusion resistance

² Plant Physiologist and Soil Scientist, respectively, USDA, Northern Great Plains Research Center, Mandan, N.D.

Received for publication March 17, 1972.