Each flower head can produce between three and seven thousand seeds, so that a large bush can produce several million seeds per year. Rhododendron seeds are tiny and hence wind dispersed. Where the horizontal branches touch the ground, they will root, continually extending the area of the species. A single plant may eventually end up covering many metres of ground with thickly interlaced, impenetrable branches. Established plants spread by lateral horizontal growth of the branches. It invades areas both vegetatively and via seed.
Rhododendron thrives in mild, moist climatic conditions, where the soils are poor and acidic. It is also a versatile option being suitable for establishment on grassland areas of low biological interest and poor quality agricultural land (grades 4 and 5).Rhododendron invading native oak woodland – Co. This is because individual trees are propagated from seeds and so the plantation will follow a normal distribution pattern with some performing better than others.īroadleaved coppice is probably the most appropriate energy crop for visually sensitive areas. Forestry Commission Guidance suggests that yields might be 50-66% lower than SRC. The yields of native species grown as broadleaved coppice are likely to be much less than SRC willow or poplar on the same site. Broadleaved coppice is eligible for a 40% planting grant through the Energy Crops Scheme. The plantation should be cut back to ground level after 5 years to promote the production of many shoots and then harvested every 10-15 years thereafter. Gamekeepers – Have you considered Miscanthus as a game cover crop?īroadleaved coppice involves growing native trees such as ash, sycamore, sweet chestnut, alder and hazel.Windbreaks, sight screens, barriers – willows, poplars & miscanthus are the green solution.Poultry rearing in Poplar and Willow plots – a great example of Agroforestry.
COPPICE ASSOCIATION OF IRELAND MANUAL
Manual harvesting of short rotation coppice – watch the video.Want to grow your own firewood? Take a look at these high yielding options.Energy Crop Plant Spacings & Stocking Densities.Woodfuel self supply – advice for smallholders.The effect of energy crops on floodplain flows – briefing note.Energy Crops Economic Case Studies – ETI.10 ways to maximise yield from your short rotation coppice (SRC) crop.Short Rotation Plantations best practice case study booklet.Sustainability and quality compliance schemes.Site visits, appraisals & feasibility reports.
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