Preliminary Results on the Effects of Initial Stand Density and Supplemental Irrigation on Biomass of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn. Grown as a Short Rotation Woody Crop under Semi-Arid Conditions

Most short rotation coppice (SRC) plantations are grown in temperate, subtropical, and tropical areas where land availability is limited. Very little known about the potential biomass yield of Eucalyptus camaldulensis as SRC under semi-arid conditions with supplemental irrigation. Our objective was to maximize production E. a feedstock for biofuels by optimizing initial stem density (ISD) irrigation amount. We tested effects four densities 2500, 10,000, 40,000, 160,000 stems per hectare, 100% or 200% evapotranspiration on tree growth production. results showed that irrigation, trees grew rapidly accumulated at rate equal exceeding regions. As ISD increased, individual slightly taller, became much narrower, had fewer stems. concluded competition resources such light nutrients increased ISD, resulting significantly lower accumulation trees. However, greater number individuals increasing responsible higher allowing us achieve exceptionally high annual yields eucalypt after three coppicing cycles.