Abstract: Density trial of populus' Zhaolin 6' in intensive culture plantation was conducted in Jianping County, in the semi-arid area of West Liaoning Province from 1984 to 1989. The results showed, (1) There were great differences in forest tree growth, stand structure and economic benefit among the 3 planting densities treated in this trial. (2) The numbers of forest trees showed a normal distribution by allocation of diameter classes. (3) The shape of tree stem and its ampitude were also affected by density. (4) Diameter class and yield of forest trees were determined by forest tree density, therefore which had great influence on price of trees and economic benefit of plantation; the average annual production value of 6-year-old stands with density of 4m×4m, 4m×6m and 5m×6m was 3300.27yuan/hm², 3361.00 yuan/hm² and 3009.50yuan/hm² respectively; under local conditions plantations of 4m×4m and 4m×6m were suitable for developing middle-diameter timber, cutting at 10-12-year-old, and plantation of 5m × 6m was suitable for developing large-diameter timber, cutting at 12-15-year-old, from which the satisfactory timber yield and the great economic benefit could be achieved.

Key words: Planting density, Forest tree growth, Economic benefit, Populus' Zhaolin 6', Semi-arid area of West Liaoning Province