Poplar growth and yield in short rotation coppice: model simulations using the process model SECRETS

Deckmyn, Gaby; Laureysens, Ilse; García, Juan Carlos Camargo; Muys, Bart; Ceulemans, R.

doi:10.1016/s0961-9534(03)00121-1

Cited by 75 publications

(57 citation statements)

References 20 publications

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“…On the other hand, it is well known that soil texture and organic matter content may interact with plant growth influencing soil structure and hydrological characteristics. These results are supported by other studies that stressed the importance of water availability for poplar and willow growth in SRC [13,21,29,30].…”

Section: Resultssupporting

confidence: 88%

“…A high variability is reported for poplar and willow SRC in other European Countries [6,7]. Even if research initiatives concerning clone/provenance selection for biomass production have been successfully implemented in Italy [8][9][10] and in Europe [11][12][13], this wide variability suggests that the importance of factors different from the genetic characteristics of the planting material has been underestimated such as site characteristics that influence tree growth by the local climate and soil. Management regime may be crucial for attaining high yields [1].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Identification of the main site factors and management intensity affecting the establishment of Short-Rotation-Coppices (SRC) in Northern Italy through stepwise regression analysis

2010

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Data collected from 183 poplar and 102 willow SRC experimental plots, located in Central-North Italy, were subjected to stepwise regression analysis to acquire information on the environmental factors affecting plant survival and productivity in the first two-year rotation cycle. Nine Populus ×canadensis Mönch, eight P. deltoids Bartr. clones and four hybrids of Salix matsudana Koidz were included in analysis. Independent variables were: annual and seasonal water availability (rainfall and irrigation), annual mean air temperature, soil texture, pH, N and organic matter content, planting density and management intensity. Dependent variables were: a) mean annual yield during the first two-year rotation cycle in tons per hectare per year of dry matter (Odt·ha ); b) plant survival at the end of the second year from planting (%). Water availability resulted the main variable driving plant survival and biomass production in both poplar and willow clones. Water availability appeared to be the principal factor affecting the establishment of poplar and willow energy plantations in the Po valley. Possible variations in the rainfall regime consequent to climate changes could seriously influence land suitability to SRC. Experimental data also indicate that choice of planting density may increase the biomass yield during the first two-year especially with P. deltoides clones. © Versita Sp. z o.o. Keywords: Biomass production • Poplar • Willow • Short rotation coppice • Soil texture • Climate factors • Soil nutrient contents 1 CRA -Agricultural Research Council, PLF -Research Unit for Wood Production Outside Forests, I-15033 Casale Monferrato (AL), Italy IntroductionBiomass from short rotation coppice (SRC) is one of the possible alternatives to fossil fuels in Europe. Poplar and willow SRC plantations can produce large amounts of dry matter in a relatively short time (e.g. 1-2 years) maintaining their yield capacity throughout many years [1].During the last 5 years about 6000 hectares of energy plantations (Short-Rotation-Coppices, SRC) have been established in Italy, mainly in the Po valley, where biomass thermoelectric power plants are under construction, and the Regional Programs for Rural Development included a series of financial incentives to support the establishment and maintenance of SRC. The planted species were those recommended for the North and Central Italy by the National guidelines for energy plantations [2,3] namely poplars (Populus Cent. Eur.

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Section: Resultssupporting

confidence: 88%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Identification of the main site factors and management intensity affecting the establishment of Short-Rotation-Coppices (SRC) in Northern Italy through stepwise regression analysis

2010

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“…The results in this study demonstrate to be consistent with most of the available data, which indicate a strong relationship between the cutting cycle and the productivity of the stand (Deckmyn et al 2004). In fact, for biannual cutting cycles Rafaschieri et al (1999) obtained variable yields between 16 and 20 Mg ha -1 year -1 while for short cutting cycles varying between three and five years, Kauter et al (2003) using Populus sp., obtained between 10 and 12 Mg ha -1 year -1 yield.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 89%

“…For example, Dornburg et al (2005), for a poplar SRF held in Poland and the Netherlands with fertilization every four years, obtained CO 2 emission values, in the production phase of the crop, in a range of 1,170-1,660 kg ha -1 year -1 . The results in this study demonstrate to be consistent with most of the available data, which indicates a strong relationship between the cutting cycle and the productivity of the stand (Deckmyn et al 2004). The objective is to estimate the eventual reduction of CO 2 emissions through the energy production from biomass compared to the same amount of energy produced from fossil fuel.…”

Section: Introductionsupporting

confidence: 89%