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The influence of tree management practices on phenological growth stages of Ulmus pumila L. (Siberian elm)
Author(s) -
Amorós María de la Cruz,
Mauri Pedro Vicente,
Curt María Dolores
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
annals of applied biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.677
H-Index - 80
eISSN - 1744-7348
pISSN - 0003-4746
DOI - 10.1111/aab.12696
Subject(s) - phenology , coppicing , biology , biomass (ecology) , ulmus pumila , botany , short rotation coppice , woody plant , crop , biological dispersal , agronomy , germination , agroforestry , population , demography , sociology
There is a growing interest in Ulmus pumila L. as a forest plant species in harsh environments, as well as a woody short‐rotation crop for biomass production in marginal lands. In countries where U. pumila is allochthonous, concerns have been raised on the easy spread of this species, on the grounds that it produces large quantities of wind‐dispersed fruits with high potential germination success. Knowledge of the phenological responses of this species to management practices is essential to evaluate the risk of invasion to adjacent lands. This work addresses the phenology of U. pumila according the BBCH scale and the effect of short‐rotation coppicing and plant density on phenological growth stages of this species. Results showed that there is little effect of plant density on the phenology of non‐managed trees grown in regular plantations. On the contrary, short‐rotation coppice influences greatly the vegetative and reproductive phenology of Siberian elm. High plant densities, winter harvesting and 2‐year rotation guarantee that fruit dispersal will not happen.