Poplar growth and yield in short rotation coppice: model simulations using the process model SECRETS

The process model SECRETS was adapted to simulate coppice growth of poplar. The effects of soil type, irrigation, nitrogen fertilization and rotation cycle on growth and yield were studied. Simulated average production on an agricultural soil was 12.4 tha−1 year−1. Poplar growth was strongly reduced on sandy soils (6 tha−1 year−1). Irrigation increased yield on all soil types by 25% while fertilization increased yield by 26%. The highest yield was simulated for the combined irrigation/fertilization (22.45 tha−1 year−1). Length of rotation cycle greatly influenced yield; optimal rotation cycle in terms of yield was 3 or 4 years. The results clearly indicate a useful role for process models in predicting effects of management strategies on poplar yield in short rotation coppice.