Early growth patterns of red alder and black cottonwood in mixed species plantations
Growth patterns of black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa Torr and Gray) cuttings and red alder (Alnus rubra Bong.) wildlings were studied during the first year after planting on low elevation glacial till soils in western Washington, USA. Black cottonwood height growth occurred earlier, with 88% of its height having been achieved by late July (Julian day 210). Red alder growth continued longer with 55% of its height growth achieved after late July. Leaf area ratios were consistently higher throughout the season for black cottonwood than for red alder - a maximum of 42 square cm/g for black cottonwood and 29 square cm/g for red alder. Growth parameters in both species were adversely affected by periods of no precipitation and soil drought. Biomass production for the first year was low - 0.04 metric tons per hectare for black cottonwood and 0.74 metric tons per hectare for red alder compared to other studies in the region where black cottonwood and red alder were planted to closer spacings. The general ability of black cottonwood to achieve its growth earlier in the season coupled with greater leaf area ratio may explain its different behaviour from red alder in mixed stands.
- Research Organization:
- Louisiana State Univ., Baton Range
- OSTI ID:
- 5099534
- Journal Information:
- For. Sci.; (United States), Vol. 31:1
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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