PAULOWNIA PLANTATION ESTABLISHMENT IN MEDITERRANEAN AND SUBMEDITERRANEAN REGIONS OF MONTENEGRO WITH THE GOAL OF SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

In the development of a sustainable economy in rural areas, the most important species are those with higher productivity and resistance to phytological and entomological pathogens and air pollution, and also with adaptability to major climate changes. Paulownia is one of the Asian species that satisfies the above criteria and that has been very successful worldwide for over two centuries. Plant cultivation outside the natural range depends on the ecological valence within which species survival is possible. Paulownia is characterised by wide ecological amplitude. It is also characterised by good vitality and fast growth in different soil types, even in very poor and acidic soils. It grows on degraded terrains and can be used for the reclamation of soil loaded with heavy metals. Its limiting factors are low temperatures and lack of light and moisture. The latest studies show that Paulownia is a halophyte which makes possible its irrigation with saline water. Also, Paulownia has excellent commercial and bio-reclamation significance because it can reach the height of 4 m in one year, has soft wood of good technical quality, and its flowers are fragrant and rich in essential oils (because of this it is used in traditional Chinese medicine and apiculture). Based on the comparative and SWAT analyses of site conditions in the Mediterranean and sub-Mediterranean regions of Montenegro, and based on Paulownia’s ecological requirements, suitable zones for the establishment of short rotation mixed forests and agricultural plantations and pure Paulownia plantations were selected. Depending on the region and standards for the utilisation of natural resources, this paper presents the methods and rules of Paulownia plantation establishment, as well as agricultural crops for mixed plantations, aiming at the achievement of the maximal yield of biomass and safe food.