Investigation of Woody Biomass Species for Fuel Production in Warm Climate, Non-Agricultural Land Irrigated by Brackish or Saline Water. Final Report, April 24, 1978-April 24, 1979

摘要

Over 17,000 Tamarisk plants were grown in an approximately 1.5 acre plot of very poor soil in the central San Joaquin Valley at Hanford, California. Tamarix aphylla (Athel Tree) cuttings were tested in a variable fertilization and water salinity statistically designed standard agronomic program. Other variables were studied with potted T. aphylla, T. pentandra (Salt Cedar), T. hispida and T. africana on a semi-quantitative basis. The T. aphylla cuttings produced more growth (weight) than the other species, although the increase in height was about the same for all species. Growth varied considerably among the sub-plots because of a spotty hardpan and very high zinc levels. The plants averaged about 0.4 inches of growth per day from planting in May until growth stopped in November, and produced a dry weight yield for this short season of about 7.4 dry tons/acre/year, assuming an 18 inch spacing. The average yield for the better plots was 14 DTE/acre/yr., and old trees at Boron, California, averaged 13 DTE/acre/yr. Nitrogen fertilizer increased growth by about 38% at a level of 300 Kg/ha. Water containing 600 to 35,000 ppM salts did not change the growth rate appreciably. (ERA citation 05:004204)