The critical transpiration rate (Ecrit), which corresponds to the
maximum rate at which transpiration begins to level off or even
decline to prevent irreversible hydraulic failure, was higher in pine
plantations than their unmanaged counterparts (Fig. 8). However,
even with this higher Ecrit, the pine plantations operated with a
smaller safety margin between soil water potential and critical
transpiration rates, suggesting that pine plantations can withstand
less severe drought than natural stands.