Biomass Production of <i>Eucalyptus grandis</i> in South Africa Planted at Various Close Espacements: Two-Year Results
Abstract
SYNOPSIS A trial was established in the Eastern Transvaal to determine the effect of close espacement on the biomass production of Eucalyptus grandis when harvested on very short rotations. The treatments allowed 1 m2, 2 m2, 3 m2 and 4 m2 per tree of growing space. Weeds were completely suppressed with herbicides and the trees were fertilised with 50 g of 3:2:1(24) per tree at the time of planting. At two years the 1 m2 treatment gave significantly greater biomass production for stem fractions (bark and wood) and total biomass, but not for branches or leaves. Absolute but non-significant differences existed between the other treatments. If harvesting methods are considered, the wider espacements are favoured despite their lower biomass as larger percentages of the biomass are in large trees which will greatly reduce extraction costs. At present the 3 m2 treatment yields the greatest biomass in trees larger than 60mm DBH. Yields of oven-dry biomass (t/ha) were: Biomass Production of Eucalyptus grandis in South Africa Planted at Various Close Espacements: Two-Year ResultsAll authorsWm Kevin Darrowhttps://doi.org/10.1080/00382167.1984.9629527Published online:20 August 2010Table Download CSVDisplay Table