Wood biomass production with fast growing trees on arable land in Slovenia

Abstract

This paper presents a historical overview of plantation activities with fast growing trees in the last 60 years, the production potential of indigenous poplars (Populus nigra L., Populus alba L.) and willows (Salix spp.) in Slovenia based on their share relative to other tree species in the growing stock of lowland forests, and its comparison with intensive poplar production plantations on arable land. Data was obtained from the Forestry Information System of the Slovenia Forest Service, from grey and published literature, and through interviews. New possibilities for SRC plantations for energy wood biomass production in short rotation cycles are discussed.