Growing Poplar and Willow Trees on Farms, National - FAO

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2 Establishing <strong>Poplar</strong>s <strong>and</strong> <strong>Willow</strong>s <strong>Poplar</strong>s <strong>and</strong> willows are usually planted from poles, stakes or w<strong>and</strong>s – sturdy stems that have been grown by experts in plant nurseries, usually over two seasons. Poles are sold when 2 or 3 metres long, whereas stakes/w<strong>and</strong>s are usually 1-1.5 metres long. Some contractors will also supply poplars <strong>and</strong> willows as rooted cuttings, as they say that these have established on farms with high success rates (up to 95 percent). The cuttings however, take longer to grow into sturdy trees than do established poles. Browse blocks (for fodder) should be established using 40-50 cm cuttings. 2.1 Identifying the l<strong>and</strong>forms Before planting any trees a farmer or l<strong>and</strong>owner should plan the operation. Start by gathering information on the soils, particularly depth <strong>and</strong> moisture content, erosion potential, suitable tree types <strong>and</strong> their planting requirements to ensure subsequent successful tree growth. Seek local advice from a regional council l<strong>and</strong> management officer, if possible. The harder sites are usually planted only with certain poplar clones that will tolerate the conditions, whereas willows usually fail. Where the soils dry out higher up the slope or on north-facing slopes, drought tolerant species, such as eucalypts, should be planted. Planting regimes for different l<strong>and</strong>forms The most basic but critical step before planting any trees is to ensure that the most suitable tree is selected for the situation. Siting of trees for erosion control is largely determined by existing erosion levels. Why trees are planted Objectives for growing trees can evolve over time – trees planted originally for erosion control can be used later for shade <strong>and</strong> shelter, drought fodder in dry summers, <strong>and</strong> will still protect a sensitive site. 21
An experienced operator is probably best at matching tree attributes with the soil type <strong>and</strong> erosion potential of the site, <strong>and</strong> local l<strong>and</strong> management officers are the most suitable contacts for advice. Some regional councils offer a service where the l<strong>and</strong> management officer will visit a property to inspect the site designated for planting <strong>and</strong> will draw up a colour-coded planting plan, <strong>and</strong> when the poplar <strong>and</strong>/or willow poles are delivered they are colour-coded to match this plan. The descriptions of the poplar <strong>and</strong> willow clones in these guidelines indicate what types grow well. These are a general guide for initial selection of trees but check with a local l<strong>and</strong> management officer or tree nursery specialist before buying <strong>and</strong> planting them. As with anything on the l<strong>and</strong>, experience acquired on a property improves the results over the years. A poplar pole nursery Spacing poles <strong>and</strong> trees It is probably easier to consider pole or tree spacing by the distance apart rather than by the number per hectare. L<strong>and</strong> areas that are more erosionprone should be more closely planted at the start <strong>and</strong> then thinned later. Planting at 15 m apart (50/ha) is usually considered to be the lowest density, <strong>and</strong> 10-8 m spacing (100-150/ha) is more preferable. Farmers should talk to regional council l<strong>and</strong> management officers about spacing poles/trees. Closer spacing gives effective erosion protection quicker than wider spacing, but it ought to be followed by thinning before the trees are ten years old. 22
Page 1 and 2: Growing Po
Page 4 and 5: CONTENTS 1 Poplars
Page 6: Introduction Millions of poplars <s
Page 9 and 10: was reported growing in Marlborough
Page 11 and 12: soils and desert a
Page 13 and 14: Eridano (P. deltoides × maximowicz
Page 15 and 16: ‘Crowsnest’), but are darker gr
Page 17 and 18: Available willow clones Tree willow
Page 19 and 20: managed to avoid heavy side-branchi
Page 24 and 25: The other steps to take before tree
Page 26 and 27: preventative for further slipping.
Page 28 and 29: 2.3 Planting poles Essentials of po
Page 30 and 31: Propagating on-farm material On the
Page 32 and 33: locks with newly planted poles, eve
Page 34 and 35: For converting a wet area to a brow
Page 36 and 37: systems; either as vegetation to be
Page 38 and 39: 3 Managing Poplars
Page 40 and 41: Use the right equipment Experienced
Page 42 and 43: egrowth from the trunk each year. A
Page 44 and 45: They were also stationary. Risers a
Page 46 and 47: Managing browse blocks These are hi
Page 48 and 49: At the tenth year following plantin
Page 50 and 51: limb growth, leading to breakout <s
Page 52 and 53: Herbicide use There are numerous la
Page 54 and 55: Timing Treatment earlier in the gro
Page 56 and 57: treatment so proceed cautiously <st
Page 58: What about roots thicker than 10 mm
Page 61 and 62: Create a ‘pruning nest’ A tree
Page 63 and 64: 4.3 Pests Possums There can be nume
Page 65 and 66: adult is reluctant to lay eggs on t
Page 67 and 68: lock without trees because a reason
Page 69 and 70: established, the annual growth of e
Page 72 and 73:
7 Further information Public librar
Page 74:
Guidelines to help land</st
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