Hybrid poplar plantation establishment in Saskatchewan: first year results
Date
2003-02-18
Authors
Block, R.M.
Harrison, G.
Kimmins, J.P.
Knight, J.D.
Nesdoly, R.G.
Schroeder, W.R.
Van Rees, K.C.J.
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Abstract
The production of Short-Rotation Woody Crops (SRWC) has been growing steadily throughout
North America. In Saskatchewan, interest is focused on developing hybrid poplar (var.
‘Walker’) plantations for an expanding fibre industry, and as a means to diversify farm income
and possibly to increase sequestered carbon. Preliminary results from a small 6 year-old
plantation suggest that there is good potential for operational-scale hybrid poplar production over
a 15 to 20 year rotation period. Larger-scale field trials were established in the spring of 2002 on
two sites in the Meadow Lake region, to assess and compare select silvicultural practices that are
regarded to enhance the growth of hybrid poplars. After one growing season, both types of
rooted stock (cuttings and plugs) showed superior survivability (~92 %) compared to non-rooted
cuttings (~40 %), underscoring the reduced risk in planting rooted stock, especially during dry
years. Measurements of tree growth (tree height, stem volume, total plant biomass and root
production) all indicated a noticeable advantage of rooted versus non-rooted stock.
Observational data pointed to the necessity of thorough site preparation, adherence to proper
planting techniques, and mechanical or chemical weed control for successful plantation
establishment.
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Keywords
agroforestry, stock type, seedling survival, root production
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Part Of
Soils and Crops Workshop