Theses and Dissertations

Advisor

Poudel, Krishna P.

Committee Member

Polinko, Adam D.

Committee Member

Siegert, Courtney M.

Date of Degree

5-16-2025

Original embargo terms

Immediate Worldwide Access

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

Forestry

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Forest Resources

Department

Department of Forestry

Abstract

Demand for bioenergy has renewed interest and opportunities for short rotation woody crop (SRWC) systems. In the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley (LMAV), specific attention is on the conversion of marginal agricultural sites using eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides).Therefore, analysis is needed to determine the feasibility of afforestation within the region. This study identifies marginal agricultural lands using random forest regression methods and uses process-based Physiological Processes Predicting Growth (3PG) model to determine biomass productivity of these marginal sites. This thesis discusses the following findings: 1. A review of marginal land identified along with key identification features 2. the results of eight 3PG biomass simulations across two parameter sets and four planting densities, and 3. the results of a economic analysis that compares the stumpage value of pulp and bioenergy product outcomes. These findings will provide a detailed understanding of the SRWC afforestation potential in the LMAV.

Sponsorship (Optional)

USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station, Center for Bottomland Hardwoods Research (22-JV-11330170-089).

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