Experiences in Poplar Cultivation

Cultivation of poplars has a well defined scope in land outside State forests in Haryana and similar other intensively cultivated state lacking natural forests. Poplar plantatlons are a step in the right direction to meet the acute shortage of wood. Roads, canals and farm lands are important sites outside traditional forests where poplar cultivation can be taken up. Roads do not provide ideal sites because of cattle damage and lack of proper irrigation. However, canal sites are well suited and the planting spots along canal should follow the seepage line of the embankment and therefore, the sites have to be selected with reference to the depth of seepage line. Farm lands provide ideal sites for this species for raising plantations in rows along field boundaries and also in intergretion with agricultural crops, Sugarcene is an ideal companion crop for growth of Populus Deltoides G-3. Loam and slit loam soils are best suited for optimum growth. Even mild alkalinity and salinity reduces survival percentage and growth. Intensive soil management is needed for optimum production. Hand watering is a wasteful and ineffective practice. Planned research is required to promote development of poplars, Clones for water logged and alkali soils. Proper machinery and equipment are required to drill deep holes. Spacing is of not much serious consideration for row planting but needs careful consideration when poplars are grown with crops in block Plantations. In block plantations a spacing of 3 m × 5 m is recommendad.