Sustainable cultivation of root sucker generated hybrid aspen

Hybrid aspen is an interesting alternative in developing renewable raw materials and phasing out fossil products and energy sources. We have some knowledge about the first generation of planted hybrid aspen. This generation can achieve a mean annual stem volume production of over 20 m³ (approx. 7 Mg of dry matter) per hectare on fertile land. The next generation is characterized by very dense root sucker regenerations. The development and silviculture of this generation is less researched, and the purpose of this study is to increase knowledge about the production and management of self-regenerated stands. We intend to complete an experiment that has now been followed for 12 years and where we test rotations of 4, 8 and 16 years. The experiment should be followed until 16 years of age and funds are sought for the next four years of measurements and for reporting final results. We evaluate the experiment regarding production, endurance, nutrient removal and soil chemistry changes.