Biomass Production of Dendrocalamus asper vs Guadua angustifolia

I'm curious to know which bamboo produces more biomass in a per hectare basis: Dendrocalamus asper or Guadua angustifolia?

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⭐ Best Answer:

To be honest, I can't compare because I only have scientific studies for Guadua angustifolia. A Guadua plantation with a planting density of 5m x 5m (400 plants) can produce 862 tons biomass per hectare in 7 years (from the time of planting until year 7). In other words, an average biomass production of 123 ton per hectare per year.

Theoretically Dendrocalamus asper (being a very dense clumping bamboo) could produce even more biomass per hectare when the planting density is very high. But in practical terms, it would be impossible to manage a Dendrocalamus plantation if all bamboos are planted so close together. Guadua is an "open clumper" so there is always space between the stems which makes it much easier to sustainably harvest the stems and manage the plantation.

A lot of different variables have to be considered when talking about biomass production, but since Guadua angustifolia is a giant tropical bamboo, I think it would be safe to say that it is one of the largest biomass producing species in the world (both among bamboo species or any other high yielding crop).

Guadua Bamboo Planting Layout

I am planning my mini Guadua farm on a half acre and some things I need to know are: If you start with 25gal pots of Guadua, how much distance should you space them apart?

What is the estimated diameter of the clump after 5 years, and is there an average number of culms that come up each year or am I right to expect that the number of culms will increase each year?

I'm Trying to make a rough estimate on the diameter, length and number of culms I can harvest after 4 years.

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⭐ Best Answer:

Guadua can be planted at 3x3 meters up to 10x10 meters depending on the objective of the plantation. For riverbank and soil erosion it is recommended to plant closer together at 3x3 m, for biomass purposes 5x5, and for the production of large diameter stems 10X10 m would be the most appropriate (theoretically). However, spacing Guadua angustifolia that far apart wouldn't be economically feasible. Therefore, the optimal spacing for a commercial Guadua bamboo plantation is 6x7 m, which forms the perfect balance between producing large diameter poles and the shortest possible time to produce reasonable revenue from such a plantation.

To plant the bamboo seedlings, clear the area around the seedling from all possible weeds and vegetation in a radius of 50 cm and dig a hole of about 40 cm wide and 30 cm deep. Since the rhizomes grow just under the surface, it is best not to plant them too deep. The area around the plant should be kept free of weeds at all times!

You should also turn the soil a little so the ground is loose and the rhizomes can spread easier. Mix some dry manure with soil and put it in the hole before planting the Guadua seedling to stimulate its growth. Not too much though or it could burn the roots! It's best to plant any bamboo at the start of rainy season, or at least irrigate them daily for the first year.

After 5 years you can expect culms of 4" in diameter. How many, depends on climate, and soil conditions. Guadua is not a traditional clumper but an "open clumper" so it can spread quite a bit. But remember, mature Guadua culms of average 4"-5" in diameter can only be harvested approximately 9 YEARS after planting, not 4 or 5 years after planting, that's the year when they appear not the year they can be cut.

Growing Guadua Bamboo together with Fruit Trees

Does anyone have experience mixing Guadua bamboo with fruit trees? Does bamboo harm fruit trees in any way via the (rotting) leafs? I know that there might be impact as to the shade the bamboo gives.

Does anyone have experience regarding the planting distance that has to be considered when planting bamboo near a fruit tree?

Comments

Stéphane Schröder

When planting Guadua bamboo together with fruit trees, I would recommend to maintain a 10 meters spacing between them. A Guadua clump might occupy all that 10 m space in 15 years or so.

Bamboo leaves are very rich in nutrients and are therefore an excellent organic fertilizer. Fallen bamboo leaves are also a good "mulch" since they prevent weeds from growing near the clump.

Where to Buy Guadua Angustifolia Seeds?

Can you tell me where I can buy Guadua angustifolia seeds? I have searched the internet but have found nothing for this bamboo in seed form. I hope to grow more varieties of bamboo in the future and your site will be a big help, hope to hear from you soon.

Comments

Stéphane Schröder

Unfortunately most bamboo seeds and especially Guadua seeds are very difficult to obtain, because Guadua angustifolia usually flowers once every 60-120 years. For this reason, generally speaking, bamboo is not propagated trough seeds (unless you are very lucky to get some). 

An additional problem with bamboo seeds is that they are not all equally vigorous and a large percentage might not germinate at all. Also, the shelf life of bamboo seeds is about 3 months after which they rapidly start to lose germination power. 

By any means, Guadua angustifolia is a tropical bamboo species which does not grow in Europe. Freezing temperatures will probably kill the plant during the winter.

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Carole Hawke

I took your advise and searched the net for giant clumping bamboo seeds, there are many sites available for buying seeds but I remembered that you said bamboo seeds start to lose germination ability once the seed is 3 months old. 

Most sites have seeds for sale that are 3-5 months old, so by the time I get them my success rate of germination is significantly reduced or do all bamboo seeds need to be less than 3 months old, are some seeds more hardy than others?

I am still looking for my guadua seeds, alas no luck as yet.

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Stéphane Schröder

Bamboo seeds should preferably be planted immediately after harvesting, although there are experimental techniques to extend the shelf life of bamboo seeds by storing them under low temperatures. 

Because seed setting is such a unique event and good information is scares, I highly doubt whether most of these seed suppliers are reliable (especially the ones who have the same species on sale for years). Usually bamboo seeds on sale are quite cheap so you're not gonna lose an arm and a leg over it. For the average hobbyist it might be an exciting way to experiment, but professional growers however, require certified, high quality and vigorous bamboo planting materials.

Buying bamboo plants from a nursery requires a higher investment but the returns will also be far greater, because even when seeds germinate, a high percentage of them might die in the early stages of development.

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Robert

Hello, same here. I've been looking around for Guadua seeds online with negative results. I am located in South Florida. I would like to start planting bamboo and I was told Guadua bamboo is what I should plant for the most profit. Considering that I can not find the Guadua seeds anywhere, what type of bamboo would you recommend? I have 2 to 3 acres to work with.

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Stéphane Schröder

Moso might be a good alternative as it is the most popular timber bamboo used in China. Keep in mind though that the USDA prohibits the import of all live bamboo planting materials (plants and seeds). 

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Dax Fernandes

The seeds to be obtained is hard but what about the saplings, are they easily available? And also could you let me know a few places where I can get this bamboo variety as I require it.

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Daniel R

Hello. If bamboo seeds are not a good method to start Guadua Angustifolia plants, how can you start these plants? Do you purchase roots, divide them and plant them?

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Matt

Hello. I live in Costa RIca. The Guadua variety is a rhizome spreading bamboo, and NOT a clumping bamboo. It has vicious thorns. It gets 95 ft tall, and spreads out over time. My twenty year old stands are now 15 to 20 meters wide (50-60 ft.) from where originally planted. We have a rainy season from May to December, and then a very dry summer from December to March. This allows this super large grass variety to rapidly grow during Oct-Dec, as it can grow 8" PER DAY here... then it goes into another stage of growth. I would NOT plant this in FL unless I had permission from the Agricultural Department. And for very good reason. It requires maintenance, or you will regret planting it. It has a secret as well to successful propagation.

To successfully propagate, you must take the freshly cut culm, and cut sections containing 2-3 nodes... these will have growth "buds" on them. You must cut a hole in the bamboo between the nodes, on the top side of the bamboo. Then you must fill the bamboo half full with water, and plant in the ground shallow like, with the top holes exposed... This will soften the growth bud and provide the needed water for it to sprout. 

Do not plant near fences. Be very careful of the thorns, and maintain the area below the bamboo by cutting these thorny branches. Create a space to walk through the area, and open up the area by selectively harvesting. It is a super material, but requires commitment long term. You will not easily get rid of it!!

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Abror

I live in 4 season country in summer it gets hot up to maximum 40 celsius average 32-35 celsius and in winter down to -2 -5. Do you think I can grow guadua bamboo? If not what type of bamboo do you recommend?

I was looking to grow 10 of these is there any way I can get guadua bamboo maybe cuttings or anything.