Effect of Continuous Planting on Tree Growth Traits and Growth Stress in Plantation Forests of Eucalyptus urophylla × E. grandis

Abstract

Continuous planting is the primary method for managing Eucalyptus plantations. The “space-replacing time” approach assesses growth parameters of Eucalyptus trees in China across generations, including height, diameter at breast height (DBH), slenderness ratio, trunk oblateness, and longitudinal growth strain. The findings reveal: (1) significant variations in growth strain occur among generations, with average strain increasing noticeably; and (2) growth-linked traits of Eucalyptus urophylla × E. grandis are impacted, with negative correlation between slenderness ratio and growth strain, and positive correlation between height and trunk oblateness. Factors influencing growth strain include height, slenderness, and surface longitudinal growth strain at breast height, with strong correlations observed. These parameters serve as growth strain indicators. Continuous planting affects growth traits and strain in Eucalyptus plantations. It is advisable to select trees with stable or slow growth rates and to avoid continuous planting without limits.