From facilitation to competition: the effect of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) on the growth performance of four poplar-hybrids (Populus spp.) in mixed short rotation coppice

Abstract

Short rotation coppices play an important role in providing biomass for energetic use. Mixing fast-growing tree species in short rotation coppices may show complementarity effects and increased yield. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of species interaction in mixed short rotation coppices with fast-growing Populus spp.-hybrids and the N-fixing Robinia pseudoacacia. Four different Populus-hybrids (AF2, Fritzi Pauley, Hybride 275 and Max 1), planted alternately in pure and mixed stands with R. pseudoacacia were used for the analysis. Height and root collar diameter were measured once a year, over a period of four years (2014–2017). Additionally, in the third year, aboveground competition was surveyed with a terrestrial laser scanner and root biomass was analyzed to assess belowground competition. Soil nitrogen was also determined in order to verify enrichment properties of mixtures compared to pure stands. Populus-hybrids’ stem volume showed no significant differences between stand types in the first year after planting. In the second and third year, however, two Populus-hybrids (AF2 and Max 1) had a higher stem volume increment of up to 3.8 times than stem volume increment in pure stands. This may be related to the fact that soil nitrogen was 39% higher in the mixtures than in pure stands. However, in the 4th year after stand establishment, R. pseudoacacia’s crowns were so massive and broad, that this species was far more competitive than the Populus-hybrids. With the exception of P. ‘Fritzi Pauley’, which showed no significant differences between stand types, growth rates reversed for the other three Populus-hybrids. AF2, Max 1 and Hybride 275 showed up to 75% lower stem volume increment in mixtures compared to pure stands. We assume that, in spite of the initially observed facilitation between the species, the competition exerted by R. pseudoacacia started dominating after 4 years and began to surpass the benefits of facilitation.