Determining water requirements for Black Box ( <scp> <i>Eucalyptus largiflorens</i> </scp> ) floodplain woodlands of high conservation value using drip‐irrigation

Black Box (Eucalyptus largiflorens F. Muell.), is a keystone tree species of lowland semi-arid floodplain ecosystems in south-eastern Australia. E. woodlands are high conservation value and threatened by climate change-induced drought irrigation water diversions due to their location on upper areas where flood frequency has declined. Water requirements have not been well quantified using empirical data. Accordingly, knowledge gaps exist relation volumes environmental required maintain improve ecological condition for disconnected woodlands. To further assist resource management, we tested the use drip provide variety regimes experimental plots order monitor responses. was provided via delivery across four representing known water, referred as an provision, applied over 22-week period two Austral summers. Benefits trees were identified measuring transpiration plant status sap flow sensors Scholander pressure chamber, respectively. Results indicate that 0.3, 0.4, 0.7 0.8 ML increased improved comparison control, with recommended commence early autumn. Greater (1.4 ML), substantially status, especially when delivered at rate ~25 mm week−1 compared monthly 'burst' which broadly represented natural, sporadic summer rainfall region. For watering provision 25 week−1, ~178 ha woodland can be watered 1 GL allocation. The study methods presented relevant worldwide our results collective understanding benefits provides largiflorens.