Stand structural analyses of grey poplar (Populus × canescens) stands focused on the expected volume in Hungary

Abstract

Grey poplar (Populus × canescens) is a natural hybrid of white poplar (Populus alba L.) and Eurasian aspen (Populus tremula L.). It could play a significant role in the afforestation of marginal sites which stretch out on ever more areas due to the negative effects of local climate change. Based on stand structure analyses of grey poplar stands grown on the sandy sites of Hungary, the following relations were found: There is a strong relationship between tree height and stand volume (R2 = 0.7256), as well as between basal area per ha and stand volume (R2 = 0.9158). There is a moderate relationship between diameter at breast height and stand volume (R2 = 0.6175). The results could contribute to a more accurate assessment of applied silvicultural technologies.

Keywords

• marginal sites
• poplars
• tree growth
• yield modelling