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Innovative practices in the sustainable management of fast-growing trees

Lessons learned from poplars and willows and other experiences with fast-growing trees around the world

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Year of publication 2025

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 192 p.

Author FAO; IPC;

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Book (stand-alone)

Category Technical study

ISBN 978-92-5-139579-0

To cite or share https://doi.org/10.4060/cd4104en

Synopsis (short abstract) Planted forests account for 7 percent of the global forest area, covering 290 million hectares (ha) of land. About 131 million ha of planted forests are intensively cultivated for productive purposes with fast-growing trees (FGTs). Fast-growing trees have been developed and used for millennia to provide wood and non-wood products to rural communities, as well as direct and non-direct benefits to urban societies. Globally, FGT plantations are comprised of a variety of tree species in temperate, subtropical and tropical biomes. The objective of this publication, Innovative practices in the sustainable management of fast-growing trees – lessons learned from poplars and willows and experiences with other fast-growing trees around the world, is to address the knowledge gaps and the current and potential development of FGTs at the global scale by highlighting successful, innovative FGT practices that can help sustain people and the environment. Further, this book aims to make this information relevant and accessible to a diverse range of stakeholders involved in the agricultural and forestry sectors, including researchers, landowners, technical operators and planners, and policymakers. In this context, the authors have proposed a comprehensive list of references as part of the methodology.In total, 43 authors from nine countries have contributed to this book bringing their ideas, experience and expertise to advance innovation in FGT science, management and policy.

Cite this content as:

Zalesny, R.S.Jr., Barzagli, A., Caldwell, B., Minotta, G., Nervo, G., Paris, P., Rogers, E.R. & Salbitano, F., eds. 2025. Innovative practices in the sustainable management of fast-growing trees – Lessons learned from poplars and willows and other experiences with fast-growing trees around the world. Rome, FAO. 

https://doi.org/10.4060/cd4104en

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