Introducing nitrogen-fixing species in short rotation coppice

Abstract

In short rotation coppice (SRC) plantations, there may be a risk of soil fertility decline requiring fertilizer input that is liable to be a source of pollution and reduce the system profitability. One option is the development of mixed-species plantations, associating a nitrogen-fixing species with the species of economic interest (acacia/eucalyptus, alder/poplar, black locust/poplar, etc.). The nitrogen input, resulting from the introduction of the nitrogen-fixing species could enhance the primary production and modify the carbon partitioning between above and belowground parts of the trees. The current studies will allow to precise the positive or negative effects that prevail within a mixed plantation of poplar and black locust. Cecilia GANA INRA Centre de Nancy-Lorraine UMR Ecologie et ecophysiologie forestieres F-54280 CHAMPENOUX (cecilia.gana@nancy.inra.fr)