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Most scenarios of climate change in Poland predict an increase in air temperature in the coming years. However, no significant increase in precipitation is forecast. Therefore, an increase in the water needs of plants should be expected, which requires the development of irrigation systems. To precisely determine the schedule of crop irrigation, it is necessary to investigate the water needs of plants and to estimate the prospects of changes in the future. This research aimed to estimate the water needs of Jerusalem artichoke in the period 2021–2050 in the Kuyavia region located in central Poland, where the need for supplementary irrigation is the highest. Based on the calculations, it was found that, in the growing season (21 May–30 September), an increase in the water needs of Jerusalem artichoke, of 26 mm, i.e., 9%, should be expected. The highest increase of 10 mm (i.e., by 16%) is expected in August. The results of our studies are utilitarian in character and can be used for the preparation of a strategy for the development of irrigation systems for Jerusalem artichoke cultivation in central Poland.

Willows are one of the plants which can be used to produce biomass for energy purposes. Biomass production is classified as a renewable energy source. Increasing the share of renewable sources is one of the priority actions for European Union countries due to the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. To achieve the best possible growth of the willow and increase its biomass for fuel, it is crucial to provide optimal water conditions for its growth. The aim of the study was to determine the water requirements of willows under the conditions of the western Polish climate and to verify whether this area is potentially favourable for willow cultivation. The novelty of this paper lies in its multi-year climatic analysis in the context of willow water needs for the area of three voivodships: Lubusz, Lower Silesian, and West Pomeranian. This is one of the few willow water-needs analyses for this region which considers the potential for widespread willow cultivation and biomass production in western Poland. Reference evapotranspiration (ETo) was determined by the Blaney-Criddle equation and then, using plant coefficients, water needs for willow were determined. Calculations were carried out for the growing season lasting from 21 May to 31 October. The estimated water needs during the vegetation season amounted on average to 408 mm for the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, 405 mm for the Lubusz Voivodeship, and 402 mm for the Lower Silesian Voivodeship. The conducted analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that these needs do not differ significantly between the voivodeships. Therefore, it can be concluded that the water requirements of willows in western Poland do not differ significantly, and the whole region shows similar water conditions for willow cultivation. Furthermore, it was found that water needs are increasing from decade to decade, making rational water management necessary. This is particularly important in countries with limited water resources, such as Poland. Correctly determining the water requirements of willow and applying them to the cultivation of this plant should increase the biomass obtained. With appropriate management, willow cultivation in Poland can provide an alternative energy source to coal.