Seasonal variation in δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O of cellulose from growth rings of Pinus radiata

Seasonal variation in δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O of cellulose (δ¹³C_c and δ¹⁸O_c) was measured within two annual rings of Pinus radiata growing at three sites in New Zealand. In general, both δ¹³C_c and δ¹⁸O_c increased to a peak over summer. The three sites differed markedly in annual water balance, and these differences were reflected in δ¹³C_c and δ₁₈O_c. Average δ¹³C_c and δ¹⁸O_c from each site were positively related, so that the driest site had the most enriched cellulose. δ¹³C_c and δ¹⁸O_c were also related within each site, although both the slope and the closeness of fit of the relationship varied between sites. Supporting the theory, the site with the lowest average relative humidity also had the greatest change in δ¹⁸O_c per ‰ change in δ¹³C_c. Specific climatic events, such as drought or high rainfall, were recorded as a peak or a trough in enrichment, respectively. These results suggest that seasonal and between-site variation in δ¹³C_c and δ¹⁸O_c are driven by the interaction between variation in climatic conditions and soil water availability, and plant response to this variation.