EuCarbHydro

During 2022, EuCarbHydro completed two years of measurements of transpiration, soil respiration and above and belowground biomass for 8 Mediterranean Eucalyptus genotypes (taxa) of contrasting productivity under irrigated and no irrigated treatments. For all selected genotypes, evaluated under contrasting irrigation conditions, monthly litterfall and full soil carbon pools assessments were obtained, and lab analyses were completed in December 2022. A nursery experiment for the same genotypes was completed in 2021, and a resulting master’s thesis completed in June 2022 reported the mechanisms of response to drought and C assimilation. Assessments have shown the C balance and water use at stand scales of forest production. In 2023, we expect to first provide a C balance for most planted Mediterranean Eucalyptus genotypes and potential response of these taxa under climate change scenarios. By December 2023, we expect to have a complete water and C balance that may answer fundamental questions such as: How much water can be reduced by selecting the appropriate Eucalyptus genotype? Which ecophysiological characteristics may approximate water use, water use efficiency, and resistance to drought? How may climate change affect forest productivity and water use? What is the relationship between C fluxes and water stress for Eucalyptus genotypes?