Trading a little water for substantial carbon gains during the first years of a Eucalyptus globulus plantation

Abstract

The establishment and expansion of commercial plantations for timber production and carbon sequestration raises concerns because of their large water use. Eucalyptus globulus (blue gum) is one of the most planted species globally, as it grows rapidly and is adaptable to a range of climatic conditions. The dearth of experimental observations on water use and growth in blue gum plantations in their early years after establishment makes it difficult to develop management practices. This study quantified the trade-offs between water use and carbon assimilation in a blue gum plantation in the first 4 years after establishment. The study site is located in southwest Victoria, Australia, where ener..