Poplar in the Southern Hemisphere

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Abstract
Poplar in the southern hemisphere is planted in small plantations. It meets specialised needs primarily for match splints and skillets, and also for wood wool. Some is used for pulp and in a few instances for saw logs. Given the correct sites and good technique, mean annual increments in excess of 350 cubic feet under bark to 3 in. diameter per acre per annum are being obtained; but the general average is probably about 250 cubic feet per acre per annum on a 15 year rotation, and maximum figures exceed 500 cubic feet. There is some variation in technique which largely results from the local conditions. For example where irrigation is available on favourable soils such as in Chile it is not necessary to raise barbatelles for planting stock as elsewhere. Where sites are elongated and somewhat difficult of access i. is clear, as in South Africa, that the amount of cultivation can be reduced and yet successful growth attained if a rotation, rather longer than that often arrived at, is adopted. Several clones are available for a fairly wide range of climatic conditions and Populus deltoides var. angulata is capable of growing in latitudes as low as 28° south. Probably it can be extended (at least if not planted at sea level) some distance further towards the equator though the limits are not yet known. The need for continued vigilance with regard to insect and fungus pests is apparent in view of the evidence in Argentina. Poplar can produce large volumes on short rotations. It may well become a more significant tree crop in the future in all of the countries considered, and especially in latitudes lower than those of areas where most planting is at present carried out.

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