Abstract
ABSTRACT After storm Gudrun in 2005, which caused major losses of spruce, efforts were made to increase tree species diversity. This paper presents a survey analysing the establishment success and growth of Populus stands (59 hybrid aspen and 11 poplar stands) regenerated on forest land following storm Gudrun. A first inventory was carried out in 2010, 1–3 years after planting, and a second inventory in 2020. The average number of planted trees was 1290 ha−1. At the first inventory, the average number of living saplings of aspen and poplar was 850 and 610 ha−1, respectively. Intact fences contributed significantly to a greater number of living saplings. In 2020, the average number of living trees with a diameter at breast height >5 cm was 540 and 410 for aspen and poplar, respectively. Mean annual volume growth for aspen and poplar stands in 2020 was 3.9 and 6.6 m3 ha−1 year−1, respectively. Natural regeneration was abundant and contributed an average of 60% of total production in 2020. We conclude that the recommended number of plants on agricultural land is probably insufficient for the regeneration of Populus on forestland. Observed production was lower than on agricultural land except where poplar was planted on fertile sites.
Published Version
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