Poplar cultivation and sustainability are not antithetical concepts, on the contrary poplar is inherently a sustainable crop. Do you believe it? Find out more in our in-depth analysis.
Wood is not just the result of deforestation: thanks to poplar cultivation, another way is possible. That’s the reason why we think it’s important to emphasize the concept of sustainability in the poplar supply chain.
A tree with incredible characteristics: combined with the improvement of cultivation techniques, it has made possible a process that preserves the beneficial impact of poplars on the environment, ensuring interesting volumes of timber for who works in this sector.
A genius tree
A small curiosity: before entering into the analysis of the benefits that the cultivation of poplar can have on the environment, you have to know that Leonardo Da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa on a poplar wood panel: it is a fact, there is some genius in this tree!
How does the poplar impact the environment, leaving a positive footprint? Let’s look at some data together.
The poplar absorbs CO2
A cubic meter of poplar wood can store up to a ton of CO2, releasing about 0.7 tons of oxygen back into the atmosphere. Considering its life cycle, that is about 10 years, it significantly contributes to mitigate the effects of environmental pollution.
It is one of the fastest-growing trees
The poplar is among the fastest-growing tree species in the world. It reaches full growth in less than 10 years, whereas it generally takes over 15 years to achieve the same result with other trees.
Purifies the soil and groundwater
It is scientifically proven that the poplar can absorb significant percentages of nitrates and phosphates present in the subsoil, purifying the soil and the groundwater
Characteristics of poplar
The plywood derived from poplar logs has several strengths:
- Great elasticity
- Strength
- Lightness
- Versatility
For these advantages poplar plywood is suitable in different sectors.
250 trees per hectare, over 40,000 companies dedicated to cultivation in Italy, 15 million cubic meters of poplar wood produced every year: impressive numbers that certify the quality of this product as well as the strategic importance of this type of cultivation.
Thanks to poplar wood, it is possible to obtain strong elements, with extreme flexibility of use, combining structural lightness with great strength. For generations we have believed in the potential of this species, the same that we cultivate directly at Cascina Bosco.
Why is poplar a sustainable crop?
There are several reasons that make poplar cultivation sustainable:
- Short cultivation cycle
- Impact on CO2
- High yield per plantation
- Minimal crop care requirements
As we have seen, a poplar plantation needs 10 years to reach the full growth of the trees. This time is less in comparison to the one that many other species require: consider that an oak can take up to 100 years to complete its growth cycle.
Poplar crops can store large amounts of CO2, purifying the air around them and consequently the area affected by cultivation.
Each plantation hosts up to 250 trees per hectare: a high quantity, which ensures a high timber production. This aspect of poplar cultivation is linked to the resistance of the trees, which do not require special care or treatments. They are naturally resistant, this means a production of versatile and durable timber.