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In drylands, environmental conditions under shrub canopy differ from those found in open sites. We should expect that microclimate conditions under shrubs with distinct canopy architecture should also be different. Plant Area Index (PAI) of the three most abundant shrubs species (Porlieria chilensis, Adesmia bedwellii and Proustia cuneifolia) in Bosque Fray Jorge National Park, north-central Chile was measured using a Plant Canopy Analyzer. During two years (2004-2005), we recorded the Relative Humidity and Air Temperature underneath and away from the canopy of the shrubs.

The three shrub species showed significant differences in PAI. Microclimate at 30 cm and 2 m above the soil in the open conditions were drier and warmer than underneath shrub canopies. Vegetation patches generate moderate microclimate conditions.

Canopy structure can buffer climatic variability, contributing to high herbaceous productivity as well as shrub recruitment. Reflecting shrub architecture and observed PAI values, the lowest microclimate variations were observed under the canopies of P. chilensis, followed by P. cuneifolia and finally A. bedwellii. We bring a novel approach quantifying the Plant Area Index instead of the Plant cover and using a low cost method that integrates the distribution of leaves and may be derived from remote sensing products. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.