Title:
Productivity, Nutrient Content and Leaf Characteristics of a Vegetatively Regenerated Hybrid Aspen Stand in Hemiboreal Estonia
Author(s):
Lutter, R., Tullus, A., Kraav, J., Tullus, T., Tullus, H.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
Increasing energy demand brings along wider spread and usage of renewable energy resources including woody biomass. One effective method to produce woody biomass is to establish forest plantations with fast-growing and vegetatively regenerating tree species. Typically, fertilised willows (Salix spp) are recommended as potential SRF coppice systems in Northern Europe. In this study we will consider hybrid aspen (Populus tremula L. × P. tremuloides Michx.) SRF coppice system as an alternative to willows. Due to very high initial density and the existing root system from previous generation, non-fertilised hybrid aspen sucker stand may show very high biomass productivity. However, vegetative hybrid aspen generations have been much less studied than planted ones. We studied above-ground biomass in 3-year-old hybrid aspen vegetative stand. Average woody biomass of hybrid aspen shoots after the third growing season was 16.6±2.4 t DM ha-1, mean annual increment (MAI) was 5.5±0.8 t DM ha-1 -1 -1 -1 a (maximum 10.2 t DM haa ). Current year increment (CAI) of above-ground woody biomass in the third year -1 -1 -1 -1 was 8.9 t DM haa (maximum 15.6 t DM haa ). If the biomass harvest will be made in summer with leaves, then 29–38% more nutrients will be removed compared to autumn harvest. The study confirmed that vegetatively regenerated non-fertilised hybrid aspen can reach higher biomass production at a young age than other fast-growing trees like willows (non-fertilised), alders and birches in hemiboreal conditions.
Keywords:
bioenergy, short rotation forestry (SRF), yield
Topic:
Biomass resources
Subtopic:
Short rotation forestry and short rotation coppice
Event:
21st European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
1AV.1.11
Pages:
176 - 181
ISBN:
978-88-89407-53-0
Paper DOI:
10.5071/21stEUBCE2013-1AV.1.11
Price:
FREE
