Dimensions of Mechanical Fibres in Paulownia elongata S. Y. Hu Wood from Different Habitats

Abstract

Paulownia elongata S. Y. Hu, has exceptionally fast growth in juvenile stage (more than 3 m in the second year). Due to its characteristic of easy generative and vegetative propagation (tissue culture) and renewal, it currently presents the most suitable plant for biomass production in our region, with short rotation time. Poplar clones provide raw material for paper and pulp industry at the moment, and this industry is the biggest softwood consumer in Serbia. Anatomical properties of wood mechanical fibres in Paulownia elongata S. Y. Hu juvenile wood have not been researched in Serbia, since this species has been recently introduced from China (1993). The aim of this paper is to explore the impact of habitats (soil) and fertilisation on wood fibre dimensions in juvenile wood of Paulownia elongata S. Y. Hu. Samples for research of wood fibres originate from experimental plantations of Paulownia elongata S. Y. Hu, 2 years of age, from two different sites: Obrenovac-Veliko polje and Ub-Pambukovica. Based on research of wood anatomy, it has been concluded that there are significant statistical differences in wood fibre dimensions in Paulownia elongata S. Y. Hu from different habitats. Research of wood fibre dimensions in Paulownia elongata S. Y. Hu juvenile wood from two different sites contributes to determine its use for the pulp industry, which supports cultivation of this fast growing species (Table 3, 4 i 5).