No, a clone of eucalyptus requires significantly less water to produce one kilogram of biomass than cotton and rice.

The water use of a Eucalyptus plantation has been found to be 785 litres/kg of total biomass, which is one of the lowest if compared with tree species such as Acacia (1,323 litres/kg), Dalbergia (1,484 litres/kg) and agricultural crops such as paddy rice (2,000 litres/kg) and cotton (3,200 litres/kg).

A clone is produced through vegetative propagation (usually mini-cuttings or tissue culture) from a single superior parent tree. This ensures every tree in your field grows at the same rate and has the same wood density. Seedlings are grown from seeds and often show high variability in height, girth, and health. 

Clones are site-specific. Some are bred for drought tolerance, while others thrive in high-rainfall, loamy soils.

Yes, if not managed. Eucalyptus is highly efficient at absorbing nutrients to support its rapid growth.

Contrary to popular belief, eucalyptus farming doesn't have to ruin the land. You can maintain fertility through proper management.

Climate: Tropical/subtropical, tolerates 0°C to 47°C but thrives in 30-35°C, needs good sunlight.

Soil: Wide range, prefers well-drained, organic-rich soil; can handle some acidity but avoid waterlogged, highly alkaline, or saline soils.

Interestingly, while eucalyptus plantation are "harder" on such soils than a natural forest, it actually improves soil quality when planted on barren, arid, degraded and sandy agricultural land. It helps in land reclamation by:

• Increasing soil organic matter (compared to bare earth).

• Reducing soil erosion with its root network.

• Bringing up minerals from deep soil layers to the surface through leaf fall.

• Clonal Varieties: Often mature faster, it takes around 5 years on fertile land, but it takes 6-7 years on barren, degraded and sandy agricultural land with proper management. 

• Standard Varieties: 12 to 14 years to reach full maturity for timber on barren, arid, degraded or sandy soils.

• Coppicing: After the first harvest, the stump often regrows (coppices), allowing for up to three rotations before needing to replant.

Do not grow from random seeds; buy high-yield hybrid clones already tested on barren, degraded and sandy agricultural land over years of plantation. Buy only from reliable and trusted sapling suppliers for uniform growth and market value.

Water quality and land topography are crucial point to be kept in mind when deciding irrigation system. Generally such soils have high salinity of water and land is also not levelled. Such conditions do not support flood or sprinkler irrigation system. Drip irrigation is best for such conditions.

This is one of the most difficult question to answer. It depends on the water and soil reports of the land. Barren, arid, degraded and sandy soils lack nutrients. Water quality is poor. Proper fertilization is required to mitigate the requirements of eucalyptus. On the other hand soil and water PH, EC, carbonates and other parameters are also to considered. Even different fertilizers also have compatibility issues.