Ecophysiology of short rotation forest crops

Abstract

An understanding of ecophysiology of the crop is critical to the effective management of short rotation forest crops. There are many interacting ecophysiological factors such as canopy structure and development, water and nutrient use efficiency, root architecture and function, sustainability of coppicing, which, through a deeper understanding, can be manipulated through genetic improvement and silvicultural practice. These complex factors are discussed, and areas requiring further research to elucidate the nature of the processes are highlighted. © 1992.