Mixed plantations of Eucalyptus and leguminous trees enhance biomass production

Dean S. DeBell; Craig D. Whitesell; Thomas H. Schubert

doi:10.2737/PSW-RP-175

Treesearch

Mixed plantations of Eucalyptus and leguminous trees enhance biomass production

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Dean S. DeBell, Craig D. Whitesell, Thomas H. Schubert

Year:

1985

Type:

Research Paper

Station:

Pacific Southwest Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2737/PSW-RP-175

Source:

Res. Paper PSW-RP-175. Berkeley, CA: Pacific Southwest Forest and Range Experiment Station, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture; 6 p

Download (PDF 580 KB)

Download (PDF 580 KB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/28873.pdf

Abstract

Two Eucalyptus species-E. saligna Sm. and E. grandis Hill-are especially favored in Hawaii forwood, fiber, and fuel production because of their quick growth and high yields. Their growth is limited, however, on many sites by low levels of available nitrogen. Supplemental nitrogen can be provided by nitrogen-fixing plants, such as legumes. A test was conducted to determine whether planting two leguminous species-Acacia melaxylon R. Br. and Albizia facataria (L.) Fosberg-could increase biomass production. Results after 65 months suggest that Eucalyptus growth can be increased substantially by planting the species in mixture with leguminous trees. Total biomass production was much greater in the mixed species plantations than in the pure Eucalyptus plantation.

Keywords

Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus saligna, Eucalyptus grandis, Acacia melanoxylon, Albizia facataria, legumes, species trials, plantations, Hawaii

Citation

DeBell, Dean S.; Whitesell, Craig D.; Schubert, Thomas H. 1985. Mixed plantations of Eucalyptus and leguminous trees enhance biomass production. Res. Pap. PSW-RP-175. Berkeley, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Forest and Range Experiment Station. 6 p.