The wood productivity of two poplar clones (Populus trichocarpa × Populus deltoides) as affected by stocking and age

Abstract The results of the first 8 years of a biomass productivity experiment performed in Belgium are reported. A circular Nelder design was used to examine the productivity of a stand planted with two poplar clones ( P. trichocarpa × P. deltoides ) Unal and Beaupre, with special respect to stocking ranging from 5557 to 180 trees/ha. No significant discrepancies in growth habit between clones Beaupr6 and Unal were found. The productivity of poplar clone Beaupre with respect to stocking and rotation time is discussed. The question of optimal stocking and rotation period is raised and it is proved that biological properties of the examined clones are not sufficient to solve the optimal problem.