Biomass Production of Short RotationEucalyptus camaldulensisDehn. Stands Growing on Peat Soil under a High Water Table in Israel

Abstract

SYNOPSIS The growth and production of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn. was studied under a four-year rotation on neutral and acid peat soils in the Hula Valley, Israel. The water table at the site was 1 m to 2 m for most of the year and the trees were planted at stocking densities of 1100, 1670 and 3300 trees per hectare. The local combination of fertile soil, high water table and high temperature created excellent growing conditions and produced remarkably high biomass tonnages and energy production values. Biomass production was not affected by either the type of peat or stocking per ha above 1670 stems. The mean annual increment of above-ground biomass and mean annual energy production were 51 t (o.d.) per hectare per year and 1008 MJ/ha per year for stocking densities of 1670 stems/ha.