Biomass production systems from Salicaceae-Part-1
Biomass production systems from Salicaceae-Part-1
Mahmood Iqbal Sheikh
ABSTRACT
Pakistan is suffering from a chronic shortage of wood.
Most of the indigenous species are rather slow growing
and take a long time to mature. The existing
deficiencies can only be met through planting of local
and exotic fast growing tree species such as poplars and
willows in climatically suitable areas. Exotic poplars
were, therefore, introduced in late fifties. Over a
period of time techniques of scientific production of
nursery stock and field planting have been developed and
streamlined. Spacing studies and clonal trails have
given quite indicative results. Plantations have been
raised in pure blocks, with agricultural crops, around
farms and along roads, canals and rivers. As it brings
handsome revenue within 5-6years, the tree has become a
favorite of the farmers. Native willow cuttings have
been planted for more then a 100 years on almost the
same sites as suited to poplars. Using methods have been
initiated. Sports goods industry is the main user of
willow wood. Biomass research on Salicacea is
comparatively new to Pakistan. It has been found that
different poplar clones grown under the same set of
condition yield different quantities of biomass.
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March 1985
Vol. 35, Iss. 1
