Growth and Survival of Drip-Irrigated Hybrid Poplar in the Semi-Arid Four Corners Region

Abstract

Rapid growth rates and versatility have made hybrid poplar (Populus L.) a common choice to fulfill timber and pulp needs in temperate regions with adequate precipitation. Hybrid poplar production in drier regions has recently received interest as an irrigated source of cut logs and shredded fiber. Ten hybrid poplar clones were selected from nurseries in Washington and Oregon to determine their growth potential and water-use requirements on a calcareous soil at the NMSU Agricultural Science Center in Farmington, NM. Planted in May 2002, the clones were evaluated for survival growth characteristics over two seasons. Clones 50-194 and 184-411 had poor survival and were not continued during the 2003 season. Clone OP-367 had low chlorosis ratings, the greatest height (4.16 m), basal diameter (9.16 cm), diameter at breast height (4.65 cm) and wood volume (2.87 m3 ha-1) during both seasons. A range of responses to environmental conditions of the Four Corners region was exhibited. Mid-season leaf greenness, as determined with a SPAD-502 chlorophyll meter, was a good predictor of growth characteristics. OP-367 appeared to be a potential candidate for inclusion in drip-irrigated wood production strategies for this and other arid/semi-arid regions of the world.