Abstract
Fast growing tree stands represent an environmentally friendly, less expensive method for stabilization of decommissioned animal production lagoons than traditional lagoon closure. We tested the feasibility of using short-rotation woody crops (SRWCs) in central Oklahoma to close a decommissioned swine lagoon by evaluating the growth performance and nutrient uptake of two SRWCs. After backfilling a de-watered swine lagoon with soil, we planted sycamore (
Platanus occidentalis) in 2008 and cottonwood (
Populus deltoides) in 2009 at 2240 trees ha
-1. After three growing years, sycamore averaged 4.5 m and 4 cm in height and diameter respectively, whereas the two-year-old cottonwood averaged 5.8 m and 4.8 cm in height and diameter respectively. Cottonwood produced 16 Mg/ ha of dry biomass and contained 193 kg/ha of Nitrogen (N) and 31 kg/ha of Phosphorous (P). Sycamore produced 8.5 Mg/ha of dry biomass and contained 72 kg/ha of N and 14 kg/ha of P.
Parent Publication
Citation
Dipesh, K.C.; Will, Rodney E.; Hennessey, Thomas C.; Penn, Chad J. 2012. Evaluation of short-rotation woody crops to stabilize a decommissioned swine lagoon. In: Butnor, John R., ed. 2012. Proceedings of the 16th biennial southern silvicultural research conference. e-Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-156. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Southern Research Station. 159-164.