Biomass production and nutrient accumulation in seedling and coppice hardwood plantations

Total biomass and contents of N, P, K, Ca, Mg and Mn in above-ground tree components of five deciduous species were determined in closely-spaced (0.9 × 0.6 m) 5-year-old plantations of seedling origin and 5-year-old coppice stands regenerated after the seedling harvest. Species evaluated were: a Populus hybrid, Platanus occidentalis L., Alnus glutinosa L., Betula nigra L., and Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marsh. In seedling stands, total biomass of Alnus glutinosa and the Populus hybrid was significantly greater than for the other species. In coppice stands, total biomass of Alnus glutinosa was significantly greater. The proportion of total biomass in bole components increased and in crown components decreased in coppice stands as compared to seedling stands. This resulted in relatively more Ca and less N, P, and K in above-ground tree components of the coppice stands. Leaf area index for each species in the seedling stands generally ranked in the same order as total biomass.