ENTIRE ROTATION OF POPULUS IRRIGATED WITH LANDFILL LEACHATE

There is a need for information about the response of Populus genotypes to repeated application of high-salinity water and nutrient sources throughout an entire rotation. We have combined establishment biomass and uptake data with mid- and full-rotation growth data to project potential chloride (Cl−) and sodium (Na+) uptake for 2- to 11-year-old Populus in the north central United States. Our objectives were to identify potential levels of uptake as the trees developed and stages of plantation development that are conducive to variable application rates of high-salinity irrigation. The projected cumulative uptake of Cl− and Na+ during mid-rotation plantation development was stable 2 to 3 years after planting but increased steadily from year 3 to 6. Year six cumulative uptake ranged from 22 to 175 kg Cl − ha−1 and 8 to 74 kg Na+ ha−1, while annual uptake ranged from 8 to 54 kg Cl− ha−1 yr−1 and 3 to 23 kg Na+ ha−1 yr−1. Full-rotation uptake was greatest from 4 to 9 years (Cl−) and 4 to 8 years (Na+), with maximum levels of Cl − (32 kg ha−1 yr−1) and Na+ (13 kg ha−1 yr−1) occurring in year six. The relative uptake potential of Cl − and Na+ at peak accumulation (year six) was 2.7 times greater than at the end of the rotation. KEY WORDS salt accumulation, hybrid poplar, wastewater recycling, sustainable forestry, short rotation woody crop