Download (PDF 688 KB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/28826.pdf
Abstract
Eucalyptus saligna Sm. plantations are being tested in Hawaii as a means of providing biomass for conversion to energy. Initial growth rates have been excellent, but supplemental nitrogen (N) is needed for sustained productivity on most sites. Although responses to N fertilizer have been substantial, costs of N applications are costly in dollars and energy. The possibility of planting leguminous trees with
Eucalyptus to provide the needed N was therefore investigated. In this paper, we compare the growth of
E. saligna in pure, N-fertilized stands with that of
E. saligna and
Albizia falcataria (L.) Fosberg, a leguminous tree, in mixed (50:50) stands at four sites on the island of Hawaii. At two sites located on the wet, northeast coast,
Eucalyptus in the mixed stands grew taller, were larger in diameter, and had higher foliar concentrations of N and P than
Eucalyptus in pure stands.
Albizia grew very well at these sites, and, in some cases, overtopped the
Eucalyptus. Growth of
Eucalyptus in both the pure and mixed stands was excellent at the other two sites located near the much drier, southeast coast. In the mixed stands, however,
Albizia, grew very poorly and had no beneficial effect on Eucalyptus growth. Thus,
Eucalyptus-Albizia mixtures can replace the need for repeated N applications in bioenergy plantations along the wet, northeast coast. In the drier, southeast district, however, productivity of such mixtures will be lower than that of pure
Eucalyptus stands.
Citation
DeBell, Dean S.; Whitesell, Craig D.; Crabb, Thomas B. 1987. Benefits of
Eucalyptus-Albizia mixtures vary by site on Hawaii Island. Res. Pap. PSW-RP-187. Berkeley, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Forest and Range Experiment Station. 6 p.
