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Forskningsartikel2017Vetenskapligt granskad

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

Dimitriou, Ioannis; Mola-Yudego, Blas

Sammanfattning

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.

Nyckelord

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

Publicerad i

Scandinavian Journal of Forest Research
2017, Volym: 32, nummer: 8, sidor: 700-707

      SLU författare

      UKÄ forskningsämne

      Skogsvetenskap
      Förnyelsebar bioenergi
      Jordbruksvetenskap

      Publikationens identifierare

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

      Permanent länk till denna sida (URI)

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