Work

Yield and Survival of 19 Cultivars of Willow (Salix spp.) Biomass Crops over Eight Rotations

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: This study reveals patterns of yield and survival of short-rotation coppice (SRC) willow cultivars over eight rotations (1993–2019). Cultivars fell into four broad categories: commercial, released, stable, and decline. SV1, the singular cultivar that advanced to commercial deployments, had first-rotation yields of 8.9 Mg ha−1 a−1, peaking at 15.2 Mg ha−1 a−1 by the fourth. Mean yields from rotations 2–8 were still 36% above first-rotation yields, confirming the commercial potential for this cultivar over 26 years. The released group (four cultivars) had stable yields over six rotations (approximately 3 to 7 Mg ha−1 a−1), rising to match commercial yields (10 Mg ha−1 a−1) between the sixth and eighth rotation. Most of the cultivars were in the stable group that had relatively consistent yields over time. First-rotation yields in this group were approximately 5 Mg ha−1 a−1, and average yield increased by 23% for rotations 2–8. The two cultivars in the decline group were impacted by disease and browsing that lowered survival and growth. These findings are crucial for understanding willow systems’ potential over their full lifespan as a bioenergy crop, which is a crucial input into yield, economic, and environmental models.

Source: Forests

DOI: 10.3390/f15112041

Authors: Shane Santucci, Mark Eisenbies, Timothy Volk

Institution: SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry

Language: English

Topic: Bioenergy crop production and management

Subfield: Agronomy and Crop Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Life on land

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,955