Enhanced coupling of light use efficiency and water use efficiency in arid and semi‐arid environments

Both light use efficiency (LUE) and water (WUE) play essential roles in ecosystem production. The extent to which production is affected by the coupling between LUE WUE remains unclear. In this study, we used data from flux measurements weather stations Heihe River Basin, China, along a strong climatic gradient quantify relationship WUE. Variations of explained up 85% variations contribution increased with increasing stress. Pearson's correlation coefficient −0.12 +0.63 decreasing LUE. coordination was explaining insensitive GPP These results suggest that ecosystems enhance when stress high. They our understanding drought resilience reduce uncertainties associated carbon cycle drylands.