salix dasyclados plantation: Topics by WorldWideScience.org

Implication of Self-thinning in Salix Communities on Riverine Wetland Restoration

Quantitative trait loci (QTL) for growth traits, water use efficiency and tolerance/resistance against metals and herbivores have been identified. A hybrid F2 population originating from a cross between a Salix dasyclados-clone (SW901290) and a S. viminalis-clone ('Jorunn') was used for the different studies in this project. The growth response was analyzed in a greenhouse experiment with two water treatments, normal and drought. In addition, three field experiments with contrasting soils and climates were established. QTL specific for each treatment or field environment but also QTL stable over the treatments or field environments were detected. Each QTL explained from 8 to 29 % of the phenotypic variation depending on trait, treatment or field environment. Clusters of QTL for different traits were mapped indicating a common genetic base or tightly-linked QTL. Stable QTL identified for dryweight can be useful tools for early ...

2004-05-01

KoreaScience (Korea)

Full Text Available

2007-08-01

Verification of 3-PG growth and water-use predictions in twelve Eucalyptus plantation stands in Zululand, South Africa

CSIR Research Space (South Africa)

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Evergreen broad-leaved forest improves soil water status compared with tea tree plantation in Ailao Mountains, Southwest China

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

In this paper, the spatial-temporal dynamics of soil moisture content was investigated in an evergreen broad-leaved forest and a tea tree plantation in Ailao Mountains, which was dominated by Fagaceae (Castanopsis wattii and Lithocarpus xylocarpus). Soil moisture content was studied between January 2005 and December 2006 at different depths (from 0-150 cm) with a neutron probe. The results showed that mean soil moisture content in the evergreen broad-leaved forest was usually higher than in the tea tree plantation in the dry season, whereas it was lower than the tea tree plantation in the rainy season. In addition, mean soil moisture content was depth dependent, and in the 10-50 cm layer the spatial variability was due to the active root zone within this depth area in two types of land use...

2011-01-01

Estimating aboveground biomass in forest and oil palm plantation in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo using ALOS PALSAR data

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Conversion of tropical forests to oil palm plantations in Malaysia and Indonesia has resulted in large-scale environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity and significant carbon emissions. For both countries to participate in the United Nation's REDD (Reduced Emission from Deforestation and Degradation) mechanism, assessment of forest carbon stocks, including the estimated loss in carbon from conversion to plantation, is needed. In this study, we use a combination of field and remote sensing data to quantify both the magnitude and the geographical distribution of carbon stock in forests and timber plantations, in Sabah, Malaysia, which has been the site of significant expansion of oil palm cultivation over the last two decades. Forest structure data from 129ha of research and inventory p...

2011-01-01

Planting trial with willow cuttings on the restructured banks of the geer river, Belgium

Plant protection i willow plantations - Insects. Final report; Vaextskydd i Salixodlingar - Insekter. Slutrapport

Trials were carried out with cuttings of Salix alba, S. viminalis and S. x holosericea. Short (25-30 cm) and long (50-60 cm) cuttings were taken, and were planted at the bottom and the top of the bank. Long cuttings survivied better than short cuttings. For S. viminalis and S. X holosericea, growth was better at the bottom of the bank; S. alba grew better at the top. S. viminalis showed the greatest survival % and the best growth.

1981-01-01

Invasion of Pinus halepensis from plantations into adjacent natural habitats

Attacks by herbivorous insects reduce biomass production in willow plantations. The long-term goal of our research is to develop sustainable plant protection against these insect pests. Two lines of research are pursued. The first concentrates on identifying factors involved in the regulation of leaf-eating beetles. These insects vary in density among plantations, sometimes reaching outbreak levels resulting in complete defoliation. Mortality factors of eggs and larvae in plantations with low and high beetle densities have been investigated. The importance of plant resistance has also been investigated. The second line of research considers the mechanisms behind an earlier demonstrated resistance in certain willow clones against a gall midge. By using molecular techniques we have searched for markers of resistance. Promising results have been found concerning so called PR proteins; in particular chitinase seems to be ...

2000-04-01

Evaluation of influence of fertilizers in radium concentration from tomato culture; Avaliacao da influencia dos fertilizantes nos teores de radio encontrados na cultura do tomate

... trees, data showing a better fit to a power model than to a negative exponential model. Invading Pinus ... power law models were significantly negative. The inverse power model accounted for a considerabl...

Effect of decomposing litter on the mobility and availability of metals in the soil of a recently created floodplain

The fertilizer contribution to radio uptake by tomato plants was assessed. Tomato and soil samples from four different plantations were analyzed: two using organic fertilizer and two using phosphate fertilizer. The Ra concentrations in eight of the most used tomato fertilizers were determined. The concentration values ranged from 14 to 221 Bq/kg of Ra-226 and from 25 to 176 Bq/kg of Ra-228. Owing to the low Ra concentration and to the used fertilizer quantities, the fertilizers would not increase significantly the Ra soil concentration. However, the highest soil to plant concentration ratios were found in the plantations using phosphate fertilizers. This outcome pointed out the higher Ra availability in the phosphate fertilizer plantations than in the organic fertilizer plantations, showing a possible positive influence of phosphate fertilizers for the tomato Ra uptake. Due to the phosphate fertilizer ...

2001-07-01

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Some newly created wetland areas in the Scheldt estuary are heavily contaminated by metals. They are expected to be colonised by reed (Phragmites australis) and, on a longer term, willow (Salix ssp.). Supplying litter or stimulating plant biomass production on the short term could be possible management options to restrict metal mobility or availability in the upper soil layer. The influence of litter application on the mobility and availability of metals in the top layer of a soil of a recently created floodplain along the river Scheldt (Schelde) was studied in a greenhouse experiment. Reed stem, reed leaf and willow leaf litter were dried, ground and added to the soil. The treated soil was subsequently subjected to permanently flooded and alternately flooded/drained conditions. Metal con...

2008-01-01

Woody biomass production costs in the United States: An economic summary of commercial Populus plantation systems

Water consumption of a six-year-old river red gum plantation in the Southern Zagros Mountains, Iran

Production costs for commercial-sized Populus plantations were developed from a series of research programs sponsored by the US Department of Energy's Short Rotation Woody Crops Program. Populus hybrid planted on good quality agricultural sites at a density of 2100 cuttings ha{sup {minus}1} was projected to yield an average of 16 Mg (OD) ha{sup {minus}1}yr{sup {minus}1}. Discounted cash flow analysis of multiple rotations showed pre-harvest production costs of $17 (US) Mg{sup {minus}1}(OD). 19 refs., 1 fig., 3 tabs.

1990-01-01

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Water is the most important limiting factor in the development of arid environments; therefore, optimization of water use is a necessity in desert reclamation projects. Evapotranspiration of a 6-year-old river red gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh.) plantation, located in a sedimentation basin of an artificial recharge of the Gareh Bygone Plain groundwater system in Iran?s southern Zagros Mountains, was studied during a 7-month period. A neutron moisture probe was used to monitor soil water changes in the root zone. Soil water depletion following rapid drainage for blocks receiving relatively high, medium and low volumes of floodwater were 809.6, 312.4, and 203.1 mm, respectively, for a 150-day period. Soil water potential during most of the study period was below ?1.5 MPa. This study pr...

2007-01-01

Short rotation coppice harvesting: an evaluation of the Salix Maskiner Bender III

Deforestation, soil degradation, and wood energy in developing countries

Version III of the Salix Maskiner ``Bender`` coppice harvester was used to successfully harvest 11.2 hectares of short rotation poplar and willow coppice in February 1997. On a wide range of typical UK crop and site conditions, the Swedish harvester was shown to have productivity rates ranging from 4.28 to 7.97 odt/smh. Based on a total system cost of Pound 81.26 per scheduled machine hour, the Bender III is able to produce wood chip for between Pound 10.20 and pound 18.97 per dry tonne. The variation in machine productivity is dependent on crop productivity and working method, emphasising the importance of site design in optimising system efficiency. In willow crops the wood chip produced by the Bender III contained a significant amount of material greater than 75mm in length. The bulk of the chips however, fell into the 5-45mm category with only a very limited amount of fine materials less than 5mm in length. The chips from poplar crops were more uniform with the ...

1997-12-31

Flows for Floodplain Forests: A Successful Riparian Restoration

Two separate studies address the major issues of deforestation in developing countries, namely, Does deforestation seriously impair the soil-plant system. and How can a steady supply of wood fuels be guaranteed with diminishing natural forest. In Chapter 1, twenty-six cross-sectional and time series studies of soil properties in the US and ten countries between the tropics were examined to determine the changes associated with deforestation in soil organic C, total N, exchangeable Ca, Mg, and K, cation exchange capacity, available P, bulk density, and pH. Deforestation was associated with significant changes in these soil properties. Only bulk density and avaiable P showed any tendency to return to pre-clearing levels. Differences in soil response to deforestation according to climate and age of parent material were related to temperature, rainfall, vegetation, soil acidity, and organic matter production and decomposition on each site. In Chapter 2, a multiobjective linear program ...

1983-01-01

Short rotation coppice with Robinia pseudoacacia L. : a land use option for carbon sequestration on reclaimed mine sites

This peer-reviewed article from Bioscience journal is about restoring the Truckee river.Throughout the 20th century, the Truckee River that flows from Lake Tahoe into the Nevada desert was progressively dammed and dewatered, which led to the collapse of its aquatic and riparian ecosystems. The federal designation of the endemic cui-ui sucker (Chasmistes cujus) as endangered prompted a restoration program in the 1980s aimed at increasing spring flows to permit fish spawning. These flows did promote cui-ui reproduction, as well as an unanticipated benefit, the extensive seedling recruitment of Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii) and sandbar willow (Salix exigua). Recruitment was scattered in 1983 but extensive in 1987, when the hydrograph satisfied the riparian recruitment box model that had been developed for other rivers. That model was subsequently applied to develop flow prescriptions that were implemented from 1995 through 2000 and enabled further seedling ...

2003-07-01

Free-air CO{sub 2} enrichment (FACE) enhances biomass production in a short-rotation poplar plantation

A study in northeast Germany has shown that the establishment of short rotation coppices (SRC) of Robinia pseudoacacia L. may be a viable option for improving farmers income on marginal soils. The plantations produce woody biomass at a fast rate for energy use. Carbon is accumulated in the harvestable biomass, as well as in the stump and the roots. These plant compartments form a long-term carbon storage pool because they can survive a harvest, stay vital at the site and continue to grow as the plant ages. As organic litter decomposes, additional carbon is sequestered under SRC as soil organic carbon. The carbon sequestration in SRC of R. pseudoacacia on mining sites within the Lower Lusatian region in northeast Germany was studied and the results were complemented with findings of current field studies conducted on reclaimed mine sites. The average above ground dry matter productivity of R. pseudoacacia was found to be 3 to 10 Mg per hectare per year, depending on ...

2010-07-01

Free-air CO_2 enrichment (FACE) enhances biomass production in a short-rotation poplar plantation

The possible contribution of short rotation cultures (SRC) to carbon sequestration in both current and elevated carbon dioxide concentrations was investigated using the free-air carbon dioxide enrichment (FACE) technique. Three poplar species were grown in an SRC plantation for three growing seasons. Above-ground and below-ground biomass increased by 15 to 27 per cent and by 22 to 38 per cent, respectively; light-efficiency also increased as a result. Depletion of inorganic nitrogen from the soil increased after three growing seasons at elevated carbon dioxide levels, but carbon dioxide showed no effect on stem wood density. Stem wood density also differed significantly from species to species. These results confirmed inter-specific differences in biomass production in poplar, and demonstrated that elevated carbon dioxide enhanced biomass productivity and light-use efficiency of a poplar short rotation cultivation ecosystem without changing biomass allocation. The ...

2003-08-01

Assessing plantation biomass for co-firing with coal in northern Indiana: a linear programming approach

2003-08-01

First occurrence of Alcaeorrhynchus grandis (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) preying on defoliating caterpillars of oil palm in the state of Para, Brazil

Tightening environmental regulations and the signing of the Kyoto protocol have prompted electric utilities to consider co-firing biomass with coal to reduce the levels of CO{sub 2}, SO{sub 2} and NOx in stack emissions. This analysis examines the cost competitiveness of plantation produced woody biomass and waste wood with coal in electricity production. A case study of woody biomass production and co-firing in northern Indiana is presented. A linear programming model was developed to examine the optimal co-firing blend of coal and biomass while minimizing variable, cost, including the cost of ash disposal and material procurement costs. This model was used to examine situations where coal is the primary fuel and waste wood, willow trees, or both are available for fuel blending. The results indicate that co-firing woody biomass is cost-effective for the power plant. Sensitivity analysis explored the effect of waste wood prices on co-firing cost.

2000-07-01

Simulation of CO{sub 2} budget and ecological implications of sugi (cryptomeria japonica) man-made forests in Japan

The oil palm Elaeis guineensis is usually attacked by pests, particularly, defoliating caterpillars. Between 2004 and 2006 a stinkbug predator (Asopinae) was registered preying on caterpillars of Brassolis sophorae L., Opsiphanes invirae Hubner (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) and Sibine spp. (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae), reducing their populations in commercial oil palm plantations in the State of Para, Brazil. Specimens of the natural enemy were collected, mounted, and identified as Alcaeorrhynchus grandis (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), corresponding to the first report of the occurrence of this stinkbug attacking defoliating caterpillars of oil palm in Brazil. (author)

2004-01-01

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Increased nitrogen-use efficiency of a short-rotation poplar plantation in elevated CO_2 concentration

A compartment model, including removal of organic matter in a forest ecosystem, is developed to describe matter cycling and net CO{sub 2} flux of the ecosystem especially of managed forests. The model consists of five carbon stocks: atmosphere, foliage, woody matter, underground matter, and dead organic matter in the soil. Employing appropriate values of ecophysiological parameters in the model and simulation of man-made sugi (Cryptomeria japonica D. Don) plantation forests shows that these forests have high growth potential with a maximum total phytomass of over 750 t ha{sup -1} in dry matter basis. When the typical pattern of thinning regime for sugi plantation forests in Japan is applied to the present model, the simulated forest biomass developments compare well with mensuration data from various forestry sites. The CO{sub 2} balance between the sugi forest ecosystem and the atmosphere reveals a net CO{sub 2} fixation of 49.38 million ton ...

1998-09-01

CHANGES IN 137 CS CONCENTRATIONS IN SOIL AND VEGETATION ON THE FLOODPLAIN OF THE SAVANNAH RIVER OVER A 30 YEAR PERIOD

Tree growth is mainly regulated by nitrogen (N) availability. Many plants exhibit enhanced growth and increased biomass or net primary productivity when exposed to higher atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide (CO_2), as N metabolism is regulated by signals that are derived from CO_2 metabolism. This study estimated N use by trees of 3 poplar species exposed for 3 years to free air CO_2 enrichment (FACE) in order to determine if CO_2 treatment affected the future N availability of the plantation. N uptake of fine roots and litter was measured throughout the first crop rotation. Results were then related to previously published variations in soil N content during the same period. Retranslocation from green leaves was studied, as well as processes determining N mobilization and immobilization. The study showed that elevated CO_2 concentrations significantly increased N-use efficiency, and decreased N concentrations in most plant tissues. However, elevations in CO_2 did ...

2007-08-01

NEW COLLECTION RECORDS AND HOST RANGE OF THE COTTONWOOD LEAFCURL MITE, TETRA LOBUUFERA (K!IFER) (ACARI: ERIOPHYIDAE), IN THE USA.

{sup 137}Cs released during 1954-1974 from nuclear production reactors on the Savannah River Site, a US Department of Energy nuclear materials production site in South Carolina, contaminated a portion of the Savannah River floodplain known as Creek Plantation. {sup 137}Cs activity concentrations have been measured in Creek Plantation since 1974 making it possible to calculate effective half-lives for {sup 137}Cs in soil and vegetation and assess the spatial distribution of contaminants on the floodplain. Activity concentrations in soil and vegetation were higher near the center of the floodplain than near the edges as a result of frequent inundation coupled with the presence of low areas that trapped contaminated sediments. {sup 137}Cs activity was highest near the soil surface, but depth related differences diminished with time as a likely result of downward diffusion or leaching. Activity concentrations in vegetation were significantly ...

2007-12-12

Lower order roots more palatable to herbivores: a case study with two temperate tree species

Coyle, D.R., and J.W. Amrine, Jr. 2004. New collection records and host range of the cottonwood leafcurl mite, Tetra lobulifera (Keifer) (Acari: Eriophyidae), in the USA. Internat. J. Acarol. 30(1):3-8. The cottonwood leafcurl mite, Aculops lobuliferus Keifer, 1961, is renamed as Tetra lobulifera (Keifer). This eriophyid mite is capable of inflicting substantial damage on plantation- and native-grown cottonwoods (Populus spp.). We report new State and County collection records from the eastern and northwestern U.S.A. as well as new host records, including Populus grandidentata Michx. (big-tooth aspen), for this pest. This updates the established geographic range of T. lobulzjera, and demonstrates its ability to utilize other host plants in the genus Populus for development.

2004-01-01

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Determining which kinds of roots are likely to be consumed by root herbivores may improve our understanding of the mechanistic control on fine root dynamics. Here, we tested the hypothesis that root herbivores prefer to consume the distal lower order roots in their branching networks. Insecticide was applied to soil to quantify effects of root herbivores on root biomass and production in the first five orders (the distal roots numbered as first-order) in Fraxinus mandshurica and Larix gmelinii plantations from May 2008 to July 2009. Root morphology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology were measured simultaneously across branching orders. Among the first five order roots, significant consumptions by herbivores were found only for the two distal lower order roots throughout growing seasons, wi...

2011-01-01

Exploiting unique germplasm resources of leguminous trees: Prosopis, leucaena and acacia. Final report, August 31, 1982-August 30, 1992

Ergosterol analyses of oil palm seedlings and plants infected with Ganoderma

In Haiti, and other semiarid regions of the world, the need for fuelwood and forage is critical. The report summarizes research conducted over a ten year period on developing replicable plantations of leguminous trees in semiarid lands, especially in areas near seawater salinity levels. Research included greenhouse and laboratory work followed by field trials in Haiti and focused on two species: Prosopis and Leucaena. (Acacia is mentioned in the report's title but not in the report itself.) Results were as follows. (1) Greenhouse experiments identified leaf diagnostic criteria indicating mineral nutrient deficiencies in field trees. It also established the importance of micronutrients, especially zinc, in permitting growth in high pH (9.0) soils.

1992-01-01

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Basal stem rot of oil palm (OP) by Ganoderma boninense is of major economic concern and it is the predominant disease of OP in SE Asia. Also, other plantation crops are affected by Ganoderma. The early detection of symptoms is crucial for control, although effective methods remain elusive. Ergosterol is the principal sterol of fungi and plays an essential role in the cell membrane and other cellular constituents. The analysis of ergosterol is useful for fungal detection in solid plant substrates. The present report compares ergosterol concentration in sound and decayed OP seedlings and mature plants using HPLC with diode array detection. The disease of OP requires to be considered as a white rot process where fungal biomass will increase from a low to high level as the infection progresses...

2011-01-01

Energy conservation potential in Taiwanese textile industry

Effect of spacing and nitrogen fertilization on the establishment and biomass production of short rotation Poplar in Finland

Since Taiwan lacks sufficient self-produced energy, increasing energy efficiency and energy savings are essential aspects of Taiwan's energy policy. This work summarizes the energy savings implemented by 303 firms in Taiwan's textile industry from the on-line Energy Declaration System in 2008. It was found that the total implemented energy savings amounted to 46,074 ton of oil equivalent (TOE). The energy saving was equivalent to 94,614 MWh of electricity, 23,686 kl of fuel oil and 4887 ton of fuel coal. It represented a potential reduction of 143,669 ton in carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to the annual carbon dioxide absorption capacity of a 3848 ha plantation forest. This study summarizes energy-saving measures for energy users and identifies the areas for making energy saving to provide an energy efficiency baseline.

2010-11-01

Breeding strategies with poplars in Europe

Short rotation trials using cuttings poplar (Populus x rasumowskyana) in Southern Finland investigated the establishment of poplar plantations and the effects of spacing and application of nitrogen fertilizer on biomass production over a period of 6 years. Thicker cuttings grew better whilst those of less than 1 cm diameter grew only moderately. Nitrogen fertilization improved height and diameter growth and above-ground dry mass yield. Woody biomass production was 4.2 dry tons/ha per year, at 300 kg/ha nitrogen. A spacing of 15 000 stems/ha gave the best yield after 4 years, but 5000 stems/ha was more productive spacing in the next 2 years. (author).

1989-01-01

Using modified foragers to harvest short-rotation poplar plantations

Poplar breeding in Europe is in a more advanced state than breeding programmes of other species. In Europe, poplars are part of the scenery and are integrated in the economy. Traditionally poplar stands are established in lowland areas. But an increasing interest in their use moved them to upland sites. Poplar uses are multiple: lumber, industrial wood, wind-breaks and landscape plantations, etc. Selection characteristics are classified in different groups: vegetative propagation ability, vigor, adaptation to sites and climate, resistance to diseases and insect pests, wood quality, and coppicing ability. Strategies have improved with time. The most efficient strategies for the long term involve constitution of base populations, selection of parents for intra- and interspecific hybridizations, selection within the progenies, and vegetative propagation. Short term strategies are also applied simultaneously. Advanced breeding techniques with poplars include: haploidy, ...

1984-01-01

Review of wood fuel from early thinning and plantation cleaning in the Netherlands

In Italy, short rotation coppice (SRC) has become very popular in recent years, with over 4000 ha already planted - almost exclusively with clonal poplar. Commercial harvesting operations are dominated by modified foragers, equipped with dedicated SRC headers. At present, contractors use two main header types: German Claas HS-2 and Italian GBE. The former fits smaller foragers with a power below 300 kW, the latter is used on larger harvest units. This study models the performance of modified foragers on a range of short-rotation poplar plantations. Data were collected from 45 operations, covering a total of 118 ha and producing over 4400 green tonnes of wood chips. The average yield of the fields harvested during the trials was about 23 gt ha{sup -1} year{sup -1} (at a moisture content of 59%), and machine productivity ranged from 9 to 70 green tonnes per scheduled machine hour (gt SMH{sup -1}), with an average value of 35 gt SMH{sup -1}. A model was developed to ...

2009-05-15

Growth dynamics and biomass production in short-rotation poplar plantations: 6-year results for three clones at four spacings

Discussions regarding the use of wood fuels for commercial energy production in the Netherlands began in the 1990's. The main reasons for using wood fuel are: the political demand for using renewable energy, the need to reduce CO_2 emissions, and the lack of markets for surplus timber. Only 10 % of the area of Holland is forested. Therefore, early thinning and cleaning are important management tools for improving growth and producing better quality timber. The energy potential from early thinning and plantation cleaning could be between 400 000 and 570 000 dry tons annually. The Netherlands has not experience in harvesting energy wood. However, through the International Energy Agency/Bioenergy Agreement, knowledge gained in other countries, especially Denmark, Sweden and Finland, is being transferred to Holland. In 1996, there have been made field tests with Danish equipment. Although there are few technical barriers to wood fuel in the Netherlands, the economics ...

Environmental and plant effects of sewage sludge application to forests and pastures

Growth dynamics and biomass production in short-rotation poplar plantations were evaluated at Hanyuan Forestry Farm, Baoying County, P.R.C. Experimental treatments applied in a split-plot design included: four planting densities (1111, 833, 625 and 500 stems ha{sup -1}); three poplar clones (NL-80351, I-69 and I-72) and three rotation lengths. Survival of all three clones was excellent at the experimental site under the imposed management regime. Differences in DBH, height, LAI and above-ground biomass production, however, were manifested among the treatments. Overall the clonal ranking was in the order NL-80351 {>=}I-69 > I-72 by age 6. LAI values ranged from 0.6 to 4.4 m{sup 2} m{sup -2} and differences among four planting densities and three clones were significant throughout the first six years. Above-ground biomass productivity was affected considerably by planting density, clone and rotation length. Within the four densities, the highest biomass ...

1999-07-01

Water-level variations and their effects on tree growth and mortality and on the biogeochemical system at the phytoremediation demonstration site in Fort Worth, Texas, 1996-2003

Digested sewage sludge was applied to pastures and tree plantations at 19 to 44 Mg/ha (dry weight) as part of a municipal sludge disposal program. The sludge had low concentrations of heavy metals and traces of /sup 137/Cs and /sup 60/Co. Monitoring of soils, soil solutions, and runoff indicated that N, P, heavy metals, and radionuclides were largely retained in the upper 15cm of the soil. Soil solutions had elevated NO/sub 3//sup /minus// concentrations often >100 mg/L, but no significant increases in groundwater NO/sub 3//sup /minus// were found during the first year. Runoff from active sites had elevated concentrations of NO/sub 3//sup /minus// (20--30 mg/L), soluble P (1 mg/L), BOD/sub 5/ (5--30 mg/L), and fecal coliform (up to 14,000 colonies per 100 ml), not unlike runoff from pastures with cattle. Enrichment of organic N (2 times), available (inorganic) N (5 to 10 times), and Bray-P in the upper soils persisted for several years following sludge ...

1989-01-01

Prospects for coal briquettes as a substitute fuel for wood and charcoal in US Agency for International Development Assisted countries

In 1996, a field-scale phytoremediation demonstration project was initiated and managed by the U.S. Air Force at a site in western Fort Worth, Texas, using a plantation of 1-year-old stems harvested from branches of eastern cottonwoods during the dormant season (whips) and a plantation of 1-year-old eastern cottonwood seedlings (calipers). The primary objective of the demonstration project was to determine the effectiveness of eastern cottonwoods at reducing the mass of dissolved trichloroethene transported within an alluvial aquifer. The U.S. Geological Survey conducted a study, in cooperation with the U.S. Air Force, to determine water-level variations and their effects on tree growth and mortality and on the biogeochemical system at the phytoremediation site. As part of the study, water-level and water-quality data were collected throughout the duration of the project. This report presents water-level variations at periodic sampling ...

2004-01-01

Impact of elevated CO{sub 2} and nitrogen fertilization on foliar elemental composition in a short rotation poplar plantation

Fuelwood shortages and potential shortages are widespread throughout the developing world, and are becoming increasingly more prevalent because of the clearing of land for subsistence and plantation agriculture, excessive and inefficient commercial timber harvesting for domestic and export construction, and charcoal production to meet rising urban demands. Further, the environmental and socioeconomic consequences of the resulting deforestation are both pervasive and complex. This report focuses on the substitution of coal briquettes for fuelwood. Although substantial adverse health effects could be expected from burning non-anthracite coal or coal briquettes, a well-developed technique, carbonization, exists to convert coal to a safer form for combustion. The costs associated with briquetting and carbonizing coal indicate that ''smokeless'' coal briquettes can be produced at costs competitive with fuelwood and charcoal. The US ...

1986-02-01

Biosynthesis of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) and characterisation of its blend with oil palm empty fruit bunch fibers

The experiment was carried out on a short rotation coppice culture of poplars (POP-EUROFACE, Central Italy), growing in a free air carbon dioxide enriched atmosphere (FACE). The specific objective of this work was to study whether elevated CO{sub 2} and fertilization (two CO{sub 2} treatments, elevated CO{sub 2} and control, two N fertilization treatments, fertilized and unfertilized), as well as the interaction between treatments caused an unbalanced nutritional status of leaves in three poplar species (P. x euramericana, P. nigra and P. alba). Finally, we discuss the ecological implications of a possible change in foliar nutrients concentration. CO{sub 2} enrichment reduced foliar nitrogen and increased the concentration of magnesium; whereas nitrogen fertilization had opposite effects on leaf nitrogen and magnesium concentrations. Moreover, the interaction between elevated CO{sub 2} and N fertilization amplified some element unbalances such as the K/N-ratio. - CO{sub 2} enrichment ...

2007-06-15

British Library Electronic Table of Contents (United Kingdom)

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-38mol%-3-hydroxyvalerate) [P(3HB-co-38mol%-3HV)] was produced by Cupriavidus sp. USMAA2-4 in the presence of oleic acid and 1-pentanol. Due to enormous production of empty fruit bunch (EFB) in the oil palm plantation and high production cost of P(3HB-co-3HV), oil palm EFB fibers were used for biocomposites preparation. In this study, maleic anhydride (MA) and benzoyl peroxide (DBPO) were used to improve the miscibility between P(3HB-co-3HV) and EFB fibers. Introduction of MA into P(3HB-co-3HV) backbone reduced the molecular weight and improved the thermal stability of P(3HB-co-3HV). Thermal stability of P(3HB-co-3HV)/EFB composites was shown to be comparable to that of commercial packaging product. Composites with 35% EFB fibers content have the highest tensile st...

2011-01-01

Applications or radiation polymerization hardening to composites

Machinery management data for willow harvest with a bio-baler

Comprehensive investigation has been made into the application of the polymerization hardening by radiation, particularly electron beam, to the composites of polymers and other materials. The report is divided into four parts, namely 1) characteristics and problems of the reaction of curing by radiation polymerization, 2) improvement of the bonding capability of high molecular weight materials, 3) bonding by radiation, and 4) composites made by the impregnation and polymerization hardening of monomers. The first part includes the effects of dose rate, temperature rise during the hardening, the peculiarity of electron beam irradiation at high dose rate, reaction environment and additive effects. Main conclusions are as follows: caution must be taken to the amount of residual double bonds because they affect the quality of hardened polymers; the polymerization hardening reaction at high dose rate cannot be analogized by that at low dose rate; and the presence of the inhibitors of radical ...

1976-01-01

Harvest of woody crops with a bio-baler in eight different environments in Minnesota

Willow harvested in 2-to-3-year rotations has been touted as a reliable source of biomass. A newly designed harvester based on a round baler was developed in 2006. The third generation biobaler was evaluated in 2009 at 2 willow plantations in Quebec. The first site at Godmanchester was a three-year old regrowth with an estimated 52,000 stems/ha of large diameter willow. The biobaler with a flail cutter harvested three plots totalling 4,136 m{sup 2}. Total harvested biomass was 10.36 t DM in 42 bales. The harvest rate averaged 29 bale/h with an average bale size of 1.22 m wide by 1.30 m in diameter. Diesel fuel consumption averaged 0.81 L/bale. Measured losses averaged 11 per cent of the yield. The second site at Saint-Roch-del'Achigan was a two-year old growth with an estimated 49,000 stems/ha of large stem willow. The biobaler harvested seven plots totalling 15,740 m{sup 2}. Total harvest was 30.70 t DM in 148 bales. The first 14 bales were harvested with ...

2010-07-01

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Forest genetics: research and application in Indian forestry

The biobaler was originally developed for short-rotation willow plantations, but can currently harvest a wide range of woody crops with a basal diameter up to 150 mm. The biobaler is an alternate approach to harvest woody crops as round bales, generally 1.2 m wide by 1.5 m diameter. In addition to harvesting trees, it can improve management of wild brush, forest understory vegetation and encroaching small trees on abandoned land. It allows easy handling, storage and transportation to sites where the biomass can be used for energy use or other applications. This paper reported on a study that was conducted in the fall of 2009 in which a third generation biobaler was used on 8 different sites across Minnesota, notably Waseca, Madelia, Faribault, Afton, Ogilvie, Hinckley, Aurora and Hibbing. A total of 160 bales were harvested from these sites. The average bale mass was 466 kg and average bale density was 296 kg/m{sup 3}. The moisture content averaged 44.9 per cent ...

2010-07-01

Ecological risks associated with the application of sewage sludge to non-agricultural ecosystems

Sufficient genetic diversity exists in Indian tree species to give large genetic gains. Improvement potential, using wild gene resources for selection and breeding is vast as there are over 244 genera and 400 forest tree species in India. Of these over 30 species and 22 genera are of outstanding forestry value. Selective genetic-variation can be lifted from wild populations, multiplied vegetatively or by seed, and planted with controlled germplasm sources. Among the Indian species no less than 74 reproduce by cutting, 11 by layers, 9 by grafting and buding and 104 by root suckers. More than 161 species coppice vigorously. Afforestation techniques of over 170 species have been worked out. Tree genetic approach of survey of natural variability, quick evaluation, selection, conservation multiplication and planting superior variability directly in the field can give immediate genetic gains. This article discusses genetic information on indigenous species for use of Indian Foresters engaged ...

1981-04-01

Possibilities of wood fuel use on the territory of the Republic of Belarus

The Clean Water Act of 1977 directed EPA to establish standards for use and disposal of sewage sludge (biosolids). The application of biosolids to non-agricultural lands is becoming increasingly important as a method of waste disposal. Ecological endpoints at the population, community, and/or ecosystem level have not previously been emphasized in the development of regulatory standards for municipal sewage sludge. This risk assessment focuses on terrestrial endpoints in four ecosystem types to which substantial quantities of sludge have been applied or are expected to be applied in the future: northwest Douglas-fir forest, southeastern loblolly pine plantation, eastern deciduous forest, and semi-arid rangeland. Conceptual models suitable for all ecosystems were developed that depict the links among assessment endpoints. Estimates of risks to wildlife from contaminants and simulations of impacts of nitrogen in sewage sludge on the structure and function of forest ...

1995-12-31