Effect of permanent waterlogging on the growth of poplar clones MAX 4, MAX 5 (J-104, J-105) (Populus maximowiczii A. Henry × P. nigra Linnaeus) and evaluation of wood moisture content in different stem parts - Short Communication

Abstract

The study deals with differences in the growth of 2-year mix of poplar clones MAX 4, MAX 5 in the first rotation period at a site with the average moisture regime and at a neighbouring site affected by waterlogging. Average diameter at breast height (DBH) at the site without the observable water influence was 19.6 mm (average height 380 cm). Average DBH at the water-affected site was 8.1 mm (height 220 cm). The difference was statistically significant, which corroborates the hypothesis of the adverse influence of waterlogging on the growth of poplar clones. Furthermore, moisture content was ascertained in wood samples. A comparison was made of samples from the butt, middle part and top part of the stem. Differences between the respective stem parts were not statistically significant. Total average wood moisture content at the time of harvest (January 2012) was 59.7%.

Keywords

• biomass
• fast-growing tree species
• effect of site
• energy coppicies
• short rotation
• japanese poplar