Odarchenko I. Agrotechnological foundations of poplar plantations cultivation in Volyn Polissya and Opillya conditions

The thesis is devoted to the poplar cultivars selection and to the basics agrotechnological aspects of their plantations establishment and cultivation in Volyn Polissya and Opillya conditions. An analytical review on issues relating to the origins and formation of poplar plantation use, as a forestry approach, in Ukraine and abroad was provided. The use of poplars for fast growing plantations establishment, taxonomy, morphological and bioecological features of the genus Poplar, criteria for selecting cultivars were studied and discussed. The main problems and prospects of poplar plantation introduction into Ukraine were outlined. Theoretical and practical aspects of the poplar plantations establishment and growing in Volyn Polissya and Opillya were generalized. The climatic conditions ofthe studied region were analyzed and their suitability for growing poplar cultivars was evaluated. The features of rooting, growth and plants health of 19 poplar cultivars in various site conditions of the region were characterized. Comprehensive assessment of the impact of timing of cutting and planting poplar cuttings was conducted. Planting material storage methods, poplar cuttings parameters, planting methods were examined. The efficacy of different fertilizer doses and fertilization methods was tested and their effects on the growth of poplar plantations was studied. Productivity and yield of tested poplar cultivars in plantations with different management types were defined, the economic feasibility of their establishment and growth were analyzed.