Nitrogen fertilization of poplar plantations on agricultural land: effects on diameter increments and leaching

Abstract

Fast-growing poplar plantations on agricultural land require intensive management activities, often involving fertilization. The present paper aims at investigating the effect of fertilization on growth and on groundwater quality, by examining four trials established in commercial poplar plantations in central and south Sweden. The treatments consisted of nitrogen applications (Urea N46, Tot. N: 46%) in two different dosages, 75 and 150 kg ha(-1) for two years, and a control, in three replicates (plot size: 20 x 20 m) following a randomized block design. Diameters were measured at each plot at the end of each growing season for the period 2012-2015. At the same time, groundwater pipes were installed in the center of each plot, at ca. 1.5 m depth. Samples were regularly collected and analyzed for NO3-N and PO4-P. The results show a large variation in the diameter growth response to nitrogen fertilization and the leaching of poplar plantations after canopy closure. In young plantations, the effect on growth was clear with moderate fertilization rates although it was not observed on sandy soils with already good growth, leading to high nitrogen leaching.

Keywords

Poplar plantations; groundwater; fertilization; nutrient runoff; fast-growing plantations; Populus spp.

Published in

Scandinavian Journal of Forest Research
2017, volume: 32, number: 8, pages: 700-707

SLU Authors

• Dimitriou, Ioannis

  • Department of Crop Production Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Mola-Yudego, Blas

  • Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO)
  • University of Eastern Finland

UKÄ Subject classification

Forest Science
Renewable Bioenergy Research
Agricultural Science

Publication identifier

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02827581.2016.1264622

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/87685