Produkcyjność plantacji wybranych klonów topoli w południowo-wschodnim Kazachstanie

The topic of forest plantations is particularly important in countries with low forest cover, where the demand for wood is particularly high, such as e.g. Kazakhstan. The main goal of this paper is to present the results of research on the productivity of selected cultivars of poplar: 62027−1 hybrid and Kazakh poplar, grown in various spacings (2,5×1, 3×1,5 and 3×2 m, which translates to stocking of 4000, 2220 and 1667 trees per ha, respectively), and the possibility of their cultivation in the conditions of southeastern Kazakhstan. The conducted experiments confirmed the high production potential of the selected hybrid poplars. The average volume of the individual trees' trunks at the age of 23 years reached 0,4−0,5 m³, the total growing stock can be up to 800−1000 m³/ha and the mean annual increment from 29 to 44 m³/ha. More adapted to the local conditions proved to be hybrids belonging to a section of white poplars. Due to dying tree tops and signs of damage from insects emerging at age exceeding 22−23 years, observed especially in plantations consisting up of hybrids belonging to the black poplars section, plantation rotation should not exceed 20 years. Establishing the poplar plantations using selected varieties is also one of the promising ways for reclamation of the saline soils of south−eastern Kazakhstan. Along with the timber and the possible use of biomass, plantations can be also used as a source of feed and hay for livestock.