%0 Research article
%T Clonal variation in nutrient content in woody biomass of hybrid aspen (Populus tremula L. x P. tremuloides Michx.)
%A Rytter, Lars
%A Stener, Lars-Göran
%D 2003
%J Silva Fennica
%V 37
%N 3
%R doi:10.14214/sf.491
%U https://silvafennica.fi/article/491
%X Differences in the nutrient concentrations and nutrient amounts of stems  and branches amongst clones of hybrid aspen (Populus tremula L. x P.  tremuloides Michx.) were investigated. Seven clones with superior and  seven with medium growth rates were selected from a test of 119 clones  in southern Sweden. Four trees per clone were randomly identified and  harvested in dormant conditions. Sample discs from the stems and  branches were collected and analysed for N, K, P, Ca, Mg, and S  concentrations, as well as wood density. The analyses revealed  significant genetic differences in wood density, K, P, and Mg  concentrations in the stems. There were weak (non-significant) and  negative genetic correlations between stem volume and concentrations of  all the nutrients, except potassium, suggesting that nutrient-efficient  clones could be selected without significantly sacrificing genetic gain  for growth. In the branches K, Ca, and Mg concentrations differed  significantly among clones. After selecting more nutrient efficient  clones, the potential savings of nutrients compared with current hybrid  aspen material was estimated to be around 5%, which seems fairly low, at  least in a short-term perspective. However, the use of clones with  different nutrient storage strategies may be regarded as a possible way  in the long run to save nutrients in hybrid aspen ecosystems, or of  removing them when sludge is applied.