Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Short Rotation Forestry (SRF) employing fast-growing tree species such as poplars is recognized as a sustainable strategy to address the growing demand for renewable energy. While Europe lags behind South America in plantation forestry, there's a growing trend, especially in Northern Europe, driven by factors like carbon neutrality goals and agricultural land availability. To reach the zero carbon emission goal, biomass could play key role in production of high performing clones. An experiment conducted in Skåne, Sweden, evaluated 15 poplar clones across 43 plots over a ten-year period, with biometric parameters measured annually and additional data collected in 2024 to enhance the dataset.
Results indicate variability in biomass production, mortality rates, and growth trajectories among the evaluated clones. Skado, OP-42, and S23K9040089 are the top-performing clones, while Baldo, AF 34, and Brenta are the least productive. Production dynamics are strongly influenced by mortality rates, where lower mortality correlates with heightened yields. My final results further suggest that rotation length of 10-15 years provides faster financial returns and mitigate wind damage risk, which is a common concern in Southern Sweden. Diversification in clone selection enhances plantation resilience, with cultivars like Skado demonstrating promising performance.
SRF with poplars offers advantages in biomass production, particularly on agricultural land. Clone selection is crucial, with certain hybrids showing better adaptation and productivity. Optimizing stem density and rotation length can enhance efficiency and profitability in SRF. Diversifying clone selection improves resilience and adaptability, reducing vulnerability to pests and environmental stressors. Developing clones better suited to local conditions is essential for the commercial success of SRF using fast-growing poplar plantations in Southern Sweden. These findings provide practical implications for stakeholders seeking to optimize the efficiency and profitability of poplar based SRF initiatives in Southern Sweden, emphasizing the importance of careful clone selection, planting density management, and adherence to optimal rotation lengths. SRF with poplars holds promise for renewable energy production and sustainable land use, with careful clone selection and proper management practices as the key to maximize its benefits.