Early effects of two planting densities on growth dynamics and water-use efficiency in Robinia pseudoacacia (L.) and Populus deltoides (Bartr. ex Marsh.) × P. nigra (L.) short rotation plantations

Black locust is an interesting option for biomass production at sites prone to water shortage because the species combines water-use efficiency and a yield largely superior that of poplars under conditions study. (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) tree woody production. However, its potential this purpose has been much less studied characterized than from Salicaceae family (i.e., poplar willow). The objective our study was evaluate black as compared poplar. We estimated production, growth habit, use two provenances (1) those (Populus deltoides Bartr. ex Marsh. × P. nigra L.), (2) planting densities, (3) 2 4 years after planting. had very different higher larger These differences were exacerbated during driest year experiment. responded badly harvesting. more productive efficient in terms poplar, especially