Siberian elm responses to diferent culture conditions under short rotation forestry in Mediterranean areas

Abstract

Tis work explores the possibilities of biomass production, for energy purposes, of Siberian elm in Mediterranean areas,including marginal lands with poor soil and low water availability. To achieve this, the infuence of soil type, planting density, and wateravailability on biomass production were analyzed afer the frst 3 years of the growing cycle in 2 diferent locations. Moreover, a methodto estimate biomass production as a function of some morphological parameters of the trees, as well as the use of leaf water potential as agood indicator of trees water status, are discussed. Te analysis of parameters having an infuence on elm growth showed that soil type isthe most important factor to obtain a good yield. In soils with enough nutrients and higher water-holding capacity, biomass productionsin the range 13 14 Mg DM ha 1 were achieved even under rainfed conditions. In irrigated plots, Siberian elm production was more thandouble the production of biomass under rainfed conditions; however, signifcant diferences were not found between the 2 diferentirrigation doses under study. Biomass yield was greater for the highest planting density (6666 plants ha 1). Leaf water potential has beenshown to be a useful tool for fnding out plant water status. Tree growth showed a direct relationship to midmorning leaf water potential,and it was equal to 0 for leaf water potentials lower than 1.83 MPa; this value indicates a great resistance to drought by the species.