Here's an interesting case study about a plantation in a dry ski resort. It has more info, which is otherwise a bit hard to find: https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL5MDcgMmY2CXV3x-v0KCjMd1...

Notice, that it's a playlist with a bunch of these case studies.

The device displayed in the video (the company makes a few different ones) didn't require watering at all, because it collects dew. It's also biodegradable, so there isn't a cleanup cost. They also provide physical protection for the sapplings, which can be important. It seems to add up to very high survival rate in tough environments.

Edit: here's a brochure explaining the technology: https://issuu.com/groasis/docs/brochure_eng_2

Rainwater refills it, evaporation blocked via siphon. Most deserts get at least 150-250 liters of water per square meter per year, often much more. [1] The boxes supply enough water for the roots to grow down to the capillary water below.

[1] https://www.groasis.com/en/planting/what-is-capillary-water-...