Attribution analysis of water use efficiency in tropical rubber plantations during drought-monsoon season transition

Abstract

Understanding the water use efficiency (WUE) of rubber plantations to seasonal fluctuations is critical for understanding the water, energy, and carbon cycle in tropical regions. In this study, we examine the exchange of water and heat fluxes between land and atmosphere in rubber plantation ecosystems during monsoon and drought seasons, employing data collected from eddy covariance towers. Further attribution analysis demonstrates that drought-induced alterations in the water use efficiency are predominantly governed by changes in surface resistance (positive contribution). The contributions of incoming shortwave radiation are virtually counteracted by air temperature and longwave radiation. It is noteworthy that the light use efficiency presents the most conspicuous negative contribution; however, this effect is predominantly counterbalanced by vapor pressure deficit (VPD) and aerodynamic resistance. The elevated water use efficiency (WUE) observed in rubber plantation ecosystems during the drought season raises concerns regarding the potential implications of anthropogenic forests on food and water security in tropical regions.