Poplar in their natural range occur interspersed throughout the Northern agricultural productive land with in short duration of 3 to 8yrs. In world 24-85 important countries with 35 species undertaking Poplar plantations. In India Poplar is widely planted above 28 degree N latitude in Haryana, Punjab, H.P., U.P., J&K, North Bengal, Uttrakhand and Arunachal Pradesh. We get positive reports after trials in South and Central India. About 1.0 lacs hectare area has so far being covered now under Poplar Plantation in the state of Haryana, Punjab, U.P. and Uttranchal.
The population of India increasing as well as the wood demand also increasing simultaneously in 2010 demands are 382 million cu.m. and by 2020 nearly 422 cu.m. On the contrary natural forests covers of the decreasing 18% appox. in 2000 and it trend continuing will slide to 8-10% by the year 2050. Tree planting on lands other then forests by farmers and industries is also likely to address some of the major environmental concerns of soil protection ,sequestering green house gases , biodiversity conservation etc thereby safeguarding ecological security of mankind.
“POPLAR IS THE KALAP VARIKSHA FOR FARMERS & WOOD INDUSTRIES”
Poplars are being grown for the last decade. We get positive reports after trials in South and Central India.Under irrigated agro forestry conditions poplars are capable of achieving an average girth of 36 inches and height 85 feets over ashort rotation of about 5-8 yrs .Plants about this size are commercially utilizable and are basic material for a 1000 number of industries like plywood ,match-splints, pencil ,sports goods etc.
In India poplars grow in areas having mean minimum and maximum temperature of 6
degree C to 45 degree C, respectively springs must be free from late frost.
Poplar generally perform best on fertile loamy soil rich in Organic matter. Clayey loam, sandy loam, well drainage soil between 5.8 to 8.5 p.H. are suitable but not beyond 9.0 p.H. for the Poplar plantation. Heavy saline and alkaline soil should be avoided.
W-111 , W- 112 are suitable clones for agro forestry and W-110 is best suited clones for clayey loam soils
Cultivation of sugar cane be preferred along with the poplar during the first 2 years. All the crops can be grow except Paddy and Jawar, Bajra [pioneer cherry etc] . After two years ginger and turmeric can be cultivated in the shade of poplar trees in tarai areas only. Poplar growing orchids has gained popularity in recent years.
In Agro forestry each tree needs about 10-25 m2 space for its optimum growth. But the best spacing after trails for plantation are:-
Some of the plants may not sprout at all and this can be ascertained by inspecting the buds of the plants. If the buds don't the signs of swelling/opening, the plant should be cut back in early may at the ground level. During the first year of growth, debudding operation should be carried out in the lowest 1/3 part of the stem in May and June without any damage of bark and stem. Removal of co-leader should also be carried out simultaneously and be repeated after completion of 2 year growth. At the age of 2-3 years the lower 1/3 portion and in 4-5 years the lower 1/2 portion of the tree should be pruned. Excessive pruning is injurious as it encourages development of vigorous epicormic branches and retard diameter growth. After first year, pruning and leader training operations should be carried out only during winter. It should not be in summer or rainy season. Bordeaux paste must be applied immediately after carrying out pruning/leader training operation.
When Poplar are combined with agricultural crops fertilizers are not applied separately for trees and doses of Urea +SSP be half when applied O.M or F.Y.M
The girth should be measured at 1.37m height above ground level. The desirable minimum acceptable girth at the end of each year growth should be as under:-
On the basis of analysis Poplar tree more than 34 to 36 inches girth at the height (1.6m) 5' from ground level and approx. 80 feet in height fetches Rs. 2500 to Rs. 3500 per tree. Total income of Rs. 4.0 to 6.0 Lacs approx. can be obtained from one acre.
With New Clones Methodology :
• But if we are doing dense plantation than we should be harvests 2.25 to 3.0 qtl after 4th year and earning Rs1500-2200 per tree must rotate shortly and it cover the risk factors too , however these dense plantation gives production Rs 5.0 to 6.0 lac in equivalent ratio to other method which produces in 6 to 8 years1. Labour : labour charges for harvesting and loading are Rs 45 to 60 per Qtl and its effects by distance of site from Yamuna Nagar.
2. Transportation : It depends upon distance of your site like @ Rs 25 to 100 per Qtl.
3. Commission of Timber Market : commission charges are 6% of the total volume.
4. Unseen Expenses : On an average cutting of 3 - 10 % on total volume by the industries and 1 to 2 % loss in wt. during harvesting and transportation.
Farmers are always confused at the time of harvesting or time comes near for sale. When you are going to harvesting the plantation , count your value of single plant like this method as below :
Poplars are considered suitable for plywood, ply board, packaging cases, pulp for paper, wood, sports goods, match splints, artificial limbs, structural uses, leaves as fodder, fuel wood. Some clones are differently used as tonic, stimulant and blood purifier, against cold, cleaning teeth, also reported to be effective in the cure of hemorrhoids.
SCO -1, Gobind Puri Road Opp. Pollution Control Board, Jagadhri , Distt – Yamuna Nagar. ( 135003 )
DR. SUMER SINGH , MD & CEO