Abstract
Fast-growing forest species have become an alternative to take into account for irrigated land with lower profit margins. The objective of this project is to know the adaptation and biomass yields of the Paulownia crop for biomass and timber production, in the irrigated area of the Guadiana River 'Vegas Bajas' in Extremadura Region, (SPAIN). In 2012, two plots with 4 different Paulownia clones were planted (112, COT2, L1 and X1). One plot has been destined to timber production (T), with a 10-year rotation, grown at 4 by 4m spacing, and the other plot has been destined to biomass production (B), with a 3-year rotation, grown at 3 by 2m spacing. In February 2016, the first rotation stand of the biomass (B) plot was harvested. Clone X1 has showed a significantly lower performance in terms of dry matter production and growth, whilst among the other 3 clones, no significant differences were observed. The total production of the biomass plot was 24280.1kg dry matter ha-1. Average annual total biomass yield was 8093.4 Kg ms ha-1 for plot (B).
Highlights
The genus Paulownia, original from the rocky and xeric areas of Southeast Asia, is widely distributed throughout the temperate zones of the world, where it is used as a crop [1]
X1 is the only clone of the Paulownia fortunei species, and the other studied clones are of the Paulownia elongata x fortunei species
The Paulownia plantations are viable in the area of “Las Vegas Bajas del Guadiana”
Summary
The genus Paulownia, original from the rocky and xeric areas of Southeast Asia, is widely distributed throughout the temperate zones of the world, where it is used as a crop [1]. About 50 countries are developing afforestation programs for wood production with some species of this genus, which are characterized by their high yields and their adaptability to different climates and soils [2]. Paulownia has three requirements for its growth [2]: Well drained soils, which limits its implantation in clay soils. Minimum temperatures below -20oC Minimum annual rainfall or irrigation of 500mm. Most of water must be available during warm season. Stations are reported where 65% of annual rainfall coincides with the growth period of these species
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