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Title
Relationships between cellulose lignin and nutrients in the stemwood of hybrid aspen in Estonian plantations
Authors
Arvo Tullus Malle Mandre Tea Soo and Hardi Tullus
Received
November 17, 2009
Published
Volume 44 Issue 4-6 April-June
Keywords
hybrid aspen, clones, cellulose, acid-insoluble lignin, nutrients, growth
Abstract
Concentrations of cellulose, lignin and nutrients in the stemwood of four clones of 7-year-old hybrid aspen (Populus tremula L. x P. tremuloides Michx.) were studied on 50 permanent experimental plots established for the afforestation of abandoned agricultural lands in Estonia. Quantitative evaluation of hybrid aspen chemical components indicated a relatively high cellulose and low acid-insoluble lignin concentration, and especially a high C/L ratio, compared to other poplar species. Regression analyses showed strong relationships between stemwood N, P, K, cellulose and lignin concentrations, but no dependence on soil chemical composition was established. Height, diameter and annual increment were strongly dependent on stemwood N, K and P. Based on the results obtained, clones of hybrid aspen appear as economically promising for the afforestation of abandoned agricultural lands, in large-scale, short-rotation commercial plantations, for pulpwood and bioenergy production.
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