Poplar Cultivation Research Articles

Estimation of cost-effectiveness of poplar wood pro­duction in Ravni Srem by applying the net present value method

The commercial cost-effectiveness of poplar cultivation was analyzed based on the indicator for the assessment of agriculture and forestry projects-net present value (NPV). The analysis was made for the plantations of poplar clone I-214 in the area of Ravni Srem, under different rotations and on different soil types. The aim of the research was to assess the cost-effectiveness of the invested financials in wood production in poplar plantations, based on the analysis of costs and receipts in different periods of plantation age, using the net present value method. Under the calculation discount rate of 12%, the project for the production cycle of 24-42 years was not cost-effective from the economic aspect. Investment under calculation discount rate 4% was financially justified in all the study cases. The discount rate of 6% can be accepted by shorter production cycles in the younger stands (to the age of 28 years) on better sites (alluvial semigley). In the case of susceptibility analysis for NPV, it can be concluded that the NPV amounts for 13 study compartments within the analyzed scope of receipts and costs have a negative sign. This leads to a conclusion that the project is more susceptible to the changes in costs than to the changes in receipts in the concrete case at the discount rate of 12%.

Environmental profile of ethanol from poplar biomass as transport fuel in Southern Europe

Liquid biofuels provide one of the few options for fossil fuel substitution in the short to medium-term and they are strongly being promoted by the European Union as transport fuel (such as ethanol) since they have the potential to offer both greenhouse gas (GHG) savings and energy security. A “well to wheel” analysis has been conducted for poplar based ethanol by means of the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach. The aim of the analysis is to assess the environmental performance of three ethanol applications (E10, E85 and E100) in comparison with conventional gasoline. To compare the environmental profiles, the study addressed the impact potentials per kilometre driven by a middle size passenger car, taking into account the performance difference between ethanol blends and gasoline. According to the results of this study, fuel ethanol derived from poplar biomass may help to reduce the contributions to global warming, abiotic resources depletion and ozone layer depletion up to 62%, 72% and 36% respectively. Reductions of fossil fuel extraction of up to 80% could be achieved when pure ethanol is used. On the contrary, contributions to other impact categories would be increased, specifically to acidification and eutrophication. In both categories, ethanol based blends are less environmentally friendly than conventional gasoline due to the higher impact from the upstream activities. Research focussed on the reduction of the environmental impacts should be pointed forward poplar cultivation as well as ethanol conversion plant (enzyme manufacturing, energy production and distillation). In this study poplar cultivation was really intensive in order to obtain a high yield. Strategic planning according to the location of the crops and its requirements should help to reduce these impacts from its cultivation.

Harvest evaluation model and system of fast-growing and high-yield poplar plantation

The paper is based on the research of forestry experts’ systems funded by “National Tenth-Five-Year 863 Plan”. In the context of the collective forest rights system reforms, in order to enhance the technological support to the farmers in the fast-growing and high-yield poplar cultivation, and to satisfy the actual needs of related enterprises, the study focuses on the fast-growing and high-yield poplar plantation harvest model and related decision-making criteria. Taking Populus tomentosa Carr as an example, by adopting the age–diameter at breast height growth model, diameter and tree height model, and the dual volume model based on Hebei Province’s data, the age–volume produce model is constructed; by adopting market price of the non-discount method which is relatively easy for farmers, PNW (Present Net Worth) and LEV (Land Expectation Value) calculation methods, the economic benefits evaluation model is established. By using the calculation results of these models as a decision-making benchmark, the growth model, evaluation model and a calculation example of Populus tomentosa Carr are obtained. Based on the above-mentioned studies, the components and functions, model base and model resolver algorithm of the system are designed, and the economic benefits forecast process is set. The result of the research is applied to the “National Eleventh-Five-Year Plan” funded program ”The research and application of key technologies in fast-growing and high-yield plantation production and management process informatization ”. And the application obtains a satisfied result. By using harvest evaluation system to conduct economic benefits analysis of poplar varieties, the farmers and the investors can predict future earnings and make decisions in reforestation.

Energetic and economic evaluation of a poplar cultivation for the biomass production in Italy

Abstract The cultivation of crops for biomass production on good soils allows to reduce surplus production of food crops and increase the sustainability of energy production from the environmental point of view. The short rotation forestry (SRF), is only at a preliminary study level in Italy but, is already a reality in North Europe where was already developed an high planting density (6000–8000 cuttings ha-1) technique and a whole mechanization of plantation and biomass harvest. On the basis of this cultivation technique, it was realized as an energetic and economic evaluation of a poplar SRF in Northern Italy. In detail, they were considered data of poplar growth in a plantation for the production of two-year whips in Western Po Valley considering SRF duration of 8 years and a biomass (20 t ha−1 D.M.) harvest every 2 years. Indeed it was assumed to operate on a plantation in production (12.5% of the surface replanted every year) with a spacing 3.00 × 0.4 m (6700 cutting per hectare) that allows the use of conventional tractors. In this computing system it was pointed out a ratio between output and input energy of 13 and a cost of 80 € t−1 of D.M. Nevertheless a positive energetic balance, the economic sustainability of poplar SRF depends, due to the present monopolistic energy management in the same countries, on political choices of chip price or public subventions to the producers.

Genomic regions involved in productivity of two interspecific poplar families in Europe. 1. Stem height, circumference and volume

Interspecific hybrids of Populus species are known for their superior growth. In this study, we examined the effect of the genetic background and contrasting environmental conditions on growth and searched for quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting growth traits. To this end, two hybrid poplar families resulting from controlled crosses, Populus deltoides ‘S9-2’ × P. nigra ‘Ghoy’ (D × N, 180 F1) and P. deltoides ‘S9-2’ × P. trichocarpa ‘V24’ (D × T, 182 F1), were grown at two contrasting sites, Northern Italy and Central France. At the end of the second growing season, tree dimensions (stem height, circumference, and volume) were assessed. The performances of both families significantly differed within and between sites. Tree volume was significantly larger at the Italian site as compared to the French site. Genotype by environment interactions were significant but low for both families and for all growth traits. Tight correlations among the individual growth traits indicated that there may be a common genetic mechanism with pleiotropic effects on these growth traits. In line with previous studies, linkage groups I, VII, IX, X, XVI, XVII, and XIX appeared to have genomic regions with the largest effects on growth traits. This study revealed that (1) both families have high potential for selection of superior poplar hybrids due to the pronounced heterosis (hybrid vigor) and the large genetic variability in terms of growth and (2) the choice of site is crucial for poplar cultivation.

Analysis of commercial profitability of poplar plantations aged 24 years

The commercial profitability of poplar cultivation was analysed in an artificial poplar plantation, rotation 25 years. The aim of the study was to check the justification of the invested financial means in artificial poplar plantations, based on the analysis of costs and receipts in the period of 25 years, by using the method of analysis of commercial profitability. The evaluation of investments was performed by modern methods which, in this way, found their practical implementation in forestry.

The threat of the ambrosia beetle Megaplatypus mutatus (Chapuis) (=Platypus mutatus Chapuis) to world poplar resources

Summary We describe the life cycle of Megaplatypus mutatus (Chapuis) (= Platypus mutatus ) and the damage it causes to poplar resources in Argentina. This insect, native to the subtropical and tropical areas of South America, has extended its range into temperate regions, reaching as far south as Neuquen in Argentinean Patagonia. The damage is caused by the adult insects, which bore large gallery systems into living poplars ( Populus spp.), willows ( Salix spp.) and many other broadleaf species, including important fruit trees species such as apples ( Malus spp.), walnuts ( Juglans spp.) and avocados ( Persea spp.). The galleries degrade the lumber and weaken the tree stems, which often then break during windstorms. A recent introduction of M. mutatus to Italy demonstrates that this insect can be transported long distances between countries, and therefore presents a threat worldwide — particularly to poplar cultivation. We review the taxonomic nomenclature for this pest, provide a summary of the life cycle, hosts and damage and summarize actions taken to reduce the risk of

Effect of water regime on poplar cultivation

The effect of water regime on the growth and development of plantations of hydrologically conditioned species, poplars was researched in the alluvial plain of the river Tamis. The investigations were carried out during the period 2000-2003 on the area of FA "Opovo", KO Sakule, and the study results elucidate the very complex relationships between the hydrological conditions of the site and the growth and increment of the study poplar plantations, cl. I-214. .

An economic analysis of poplar based agroforestry systems in Punjab, India

The present study was undertaken to study the economics of Poplar cultivation and constraints being faced by the Poplar growers. Three types of Agroforestry systems (AFS) were studied; AFS-I (Wheat-kharif fodder), AFS-II (Sugarcane for first three years and then Wheat-kharif fodder for the successive years) and AFS-III (Potato- kharif fodder for first year and then Wheat- kharif fodder for the successive years). The highest net present value (NPV) was Rs. 116068.60 per acre in Ludhiana for AFS-II in 6th year while it was Rs. 126891.90 per acre for AFS-II in 6th year in Ropar. Annuity value (AV) was also highest for AFS-II in 6th year in both Districts. Internal rate of return (IRR) was highest for AFS-II in both the districts i.e. 53.82 per cent in Ludhiana and 51.72 per cent in Ropar District. Benefits cost ratio (BCR) was highest in 6th year i.e. 4.79 for AFS-II in Ludhiana and 5.43 for AFS-II in Ropar Districts. The most prominent production problems were the problem of interculture in block plantation of Poplar and lack of technical know-how. The major problems related to marketing of Poplars were unregulated markets of forest products and price fluctuations. It was concluded that the Poplar cultivation was a remunerative venture. However, their profitability could be further enhanced through Govt. intervention and enhanced management of Poplar plantation.

Analysis of commercial cost-effectiveness of poplar plantations

The commercial cost-effectiveness of poplar cultivation and commercial cost-effectiveness of long-rotation (42-year) poplar plantation were analyzed. The aim of the research is, based on analysis of expenses and receipts during the period of 42 years and by applying the method of analysis of the project commercial cost-effectiveness, to show the justification of long rotations in poplar plantations. Modern methods of investment valuation were applied and consequently their practical application in forestry was confirmed.

04/02392 Fast pyrolysis in linseed: product yields and compositions: Acikgoz, C. et al. Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis, 2004, 71,(2), 417–429

Predicting the economic viability and environmental sustainability of a biofuels industry based on intensively cultivated short rotation woody crops (SRWC) requires spatial predictions of growth and yield under various environmental conditions and across large regions. The Physiological Principles in Predicting Growth (3PG) model was modified to evaluate the growth and yield of coppiced poplar (Populus spp). This included an additional biomass partitioning method and developing a sub-model which takes into account the impact of coppicing on post harvest regeneration, extending the applicability of the 3PG model to coppice management regimes.The parameterized model was applied to the entire Pacific Northwest of the United States, using appropriate climate and soil input data. Results predict the yield of poplar cultivation at a spatial resolution of ≈64 km2 throughout the ≈8,000,000 km2 of the study region. Existing agricultural cultivation patterns were used to estimate regional water availability for irrigation, and for non-irrigated regions, land cover features including ownership, slope, soil salinity and water table depth where used to select areas with a real potential to support a SRWC plantation.Results can be integrated with other models that allow for optimizing crop selection and biorefinery site selection. Important results include; an updated 3PG model for coppiced SRWC plantings, estimates of biomass feedstock yields under different irrigation patterns and weather conditions, and estimates for feedstock availability when combined with crop adoption scenarios.

Willows: An underestimated resource for environment and society

In a global perspective and compared to poplar cultivation, willow cultivation has been the stepchild of the employment of the Salicaceae. While willows are grown and used for a large number of different purposes in both the northern and southern hemispheres, willow growing traditionally has been carried out on a small scale. However, the number of species in the genus Salix exceeds the number of Populus species by one order of magnitude, and the geographical distribution and physiognomic range of willow species is larger than of poplars. Only recently has a start been made to exploit the large biological variation within the genus Salix by means of breeding and selection and by means of new planting and management schemes. During only one century, the major obstacles to the availability of forest products have been shifting from technical and economic limitations to ecological and environmental constraints. Due to its high potential of environmental assets, a rapid development of all aspects of willow cultivation is envisaged during the next decades. Willow growing offers a range of products, services and new environmental applications well beyond the range of those encountered in poplar growing. As willow and poplar are closely related genera, several of the lessons learned during the large-scale breeding and cultivation of poplars are relevant to the field of willow growing. These include logistics, mitigation of risk for pest and disease transfer, and especially the need to ensure a wide genetic variability, containing material suitable for different site conditions. Large-scale implementation of sustainable short rotation forestry can be achieved by means of further exploitation of willow in its potential position in between forestry and agriculture, as a recipient of surplus organic nutrients from unbanised and intensively used agricultural areas and as a buffer between productive land and water courses. Key words: breeding strategy, clones, coppice, implementation, International Poplar Commission, pathogens, phytoremediation, Salix, willow

Environmental aspects of the Sambro-Meuse poplar culture

The poplar groves are new biotopes in which the wildlife of semi-open ecosystems multiplies. We consider here some aspects of the management of those environments and its intensive sylviculture. The framework of this analysis is the poplar cultivation system of the Wallon Region in Belgium. There, the plantations of poplars are mainly related to the watershed area of the Meuse, the Sambre and a few tributaries of the Shelde.

Entre agriculture et forêt, des enjeux majeurs pour un arbre ordinaire : le peuplier//In between agriculture and forestry, some major issues for an ordinary tree species : poplars

Poplar cultivation is already an ancient model of tree culture, which gave rise to numerous debates, first on a technical level and now from an environmental point of view. After an overview of the economic and geographical contexts of poplar stands in France, this paper indicates the main technical characteristics of poplar cultivation, and its historical links with agriculture. In the light of recent work, they explain the implications of this model for ecosystems and the social perception of landscapes. Whatever the approach, poplar cultivation holds an original position between agriculture and forest. Its ecological wealth should not be disregarded and it can contribute to the appraisal of rural landscapes. The debate on poplar cultivation seems to show the unability of some actors to think about populiculture in itself and not in reference to classical standards such as «forest».

Future research on hybrid aspen and hybrid poplar cultivation in Sweden

Hybrid aspen and hybrid poplars have been cultivated in Sweden since the end of the 1930s. The hybrid aspen was expected to do best on moraine soils and hybrid poplar on alluvial soils. Some of these plantations still exist but most are in poor condition. The reason for this is largely the origin of the species involved. Most of them are from Oregon and Washington State in the U.S.A., which is about 1000 km to the south of the location where they are now cultivated. This means that introduced poplar clones start to grow too early in the spring and set buds too late in the autum. Frost then damages them severely, particularly late spring frosts in the beginning of the growing season and early autumn frost at the end. Intensive breeding and rapid genetic change requires good knowledge about both genetic control and physiology of important traits. Poplars are probably the species most studied in this respect. In recent years, molecular biology has provided tools suitable for rapid and detailed genetic analysis of higher organisms. It is supposed that the frost problem of poplar plantations in Sweden can be solved by advanced breeding and hybridisation between the species Populus trichocarpa and Populus deltoides from appropriate latitudes in the U.S.A.

Resurgence of Cryptodiaporthe populea in Italy1

Serious resurgence of Cryptodiapor the populea (anamorph Dothichiza populea), with appearance of perithecia, has been reported on poplar in Italy, particularly upon newly commercialized clones. Disease symptoms, incidence of attack and resulting damage have been examined through all phases of poplar cultivation, on various clones and under different environmental conditions. Consideration was also given to predisposing factors such as the water status of the plant, the adaptability to the environment of the clones and its other genetic characteristics. Levels of resistance to D. populea of 131 of the most important European clones are reported for North Italy. Most Populus deltoides and P. trichocarpa clones and their hybrids appeared resistant, while most P. nigra clones were susceptible and P. euramericana clones were partly susceptible and partly resistant. Immediate control strategies, and current genetic improvement programmes in Italy, are discussed.

Effect of Melampsora medusae leaf rust infection on yield of hybrid poplars in the north-central United States

Melampsora medusae Thuem. is a hazard to cultivation and fiber production of hybrid poplars grown under short rotations, particularly when the alternate host is present. This rust can be controlled with biweekly fungicide applications but resistant clones are the best method of control.

DECADE OF INTENSIVE CULTIVATION OF POPLARS IN BRITISH COLUMBIA SHOWS NEED FOR LONG-TERM RESEARCH TO REDUCE RISKS

There is a large surplus of low value black cottonwood and other hardwoods in British Columbia. Greatly improved utilization and management are needed to make effective use of B.C. hardwoods.During the past decade, in their efforts to develop an economical supply of high quality veneer logs and pulpwood, West Tree Farms has encountered and solved many operational problems. Therefore, the experience described herein should be of interest to other Canadian foresters who may be faced before long with the need to intensify forest management.Much can be learned in a short period of time. For example, after only 11 years in the field, black cottonwoods and hybrid poplars planted in 1956 either as one-year-old rooted trees or rootless trees (sets) have reached a size considered commercial in many parts of Canada. They averaged 8 inches in dbh and 70 feet in height in October, 1966.Growth and yield of black cottonwood are excellent but it is difficult to grow in nurseries and inferior in form and natural pruning when compared with 'robusta' and similar hybrid poplars. Establishment of hybrid poplars requires either very expensive site preparation and many weedings and thinning or relatively economical strip clearing and planting of either large rooted trees or sets at wide spacings. The latter is preferable in B.C.Prospects for improvement of tree growth and wood quality are excellent but, like development of effective programs for preventing and controlling losses from disease, insects, and other pests, tree improvement requires much long-term research. Research and practice should be sustained and closely related. It is to be hoped, therefore, that the Province of British Columbia will make more land available for tree farming, and that the Federal Government will support the kinds of research needed to improve the programs started by West Tree Farms and others interested in poplar cultivation.

Cultivation of Poplars

Cultivation of Poplars