arrow
Return

The effect of density on short rotation Populus sp plantations in the Mediterranean area

delete2012-11-01
delete34
PRE
AI
I
Isabel Cañellas *
P
P. Huelin
M
María José Hernández
P
P. Ciria
R
R. Calvo
G
Guillermo Gea‐Izquierdo
H
Hortensia Sixto
DOI:10.1016/j.biombioe.2012.06.032delete
deleteOriginal
deleteOriginal request for help
deleteShare
deleteSave
Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
In this study, the effect of density on poplar short-rotation forestry plantations was analyzed in the context of maximizing biomass production under Mediterranean conditions. Data from 12 experimental sites in Spain with densities ranging from 6666 to 33,333 cuttings.ha(-1) were used. At the end of the first year, biomass production from the different poplar plantations differed significantly among sites and densities. Furthermore, after one year of growth, biomass production was found to increase exponentially with plot density. However, after three years of growth, at the end of the first rotation, significant differences were not found. When we analyzed the variables that affect the production, we found that weed control and therefore a reduction in competition explained much of the variability. The greatest biomass production was achieved in high density plots in more southern latitudes where high spring temperatures benefit trees growing in well-watered soils. Considering on the one hand the scope of current weed control methods and on the other, the cost of plantation and/or the difficulties associated with management and mechanisation, plantation densities of more than 15,000 plants ha(-1) would not be recommendable. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords:
Poplar
Density
Short rotation forestry
'I-214'clone
Biomass production

Journal

Biomass and Bioenergy cover
Biomass and Bioenergy
IF:
5.8
Papers:
8.4K
Citations:
2.2W

Organization