Potential and Performance of Poplars under Short Rotation Agroforestry Models: A Case Study of Yamunanagar District of Haryana

The biomass assessment of poplar (Populus deltoides) was done in Yamunanagar district based on different girth classes. The sample plots, each having a size of 0.1 ha were laid within each stratum for collecting the field data. The average biomass for 2.5 years old (30 to 59 cm girth class) and 3.5 years old (60 to 89 cm girth class) plantations was assessed (33.73 tha^-1 and 49.16 tha^-1, respectively). This studyconcludes that agroforestry in the study area is passing through a transition phase and it is evolving to short rotation agroforestry models. Adapting to market dynamics, farmers prefer short rotation of less than 4 years over long rotation of 6 to 8 years. This study also gives useful information for planning various climate mitigation strategies as well as carbon sequestration projects through agroforestry which are directly dependent on biomass production besides giving a pathway for economy-driven planning and extension of agroforestry as well as wood based industries.