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

Journal Article · 18 November 2024 · Forests

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/f15112041 · OSTI ID:2477859

Santucci, Shane; Eisenbies, Mark ; Volk, Timothy

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.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• Grant/Contract Number: FC36-05GO85041; FC36-96GO10132
• OSTI ID: 2477859
• Journal Information: Forests, Journal Name: Forests Journal Issue: 11 Vol. 15; ISSN FOREGK; ISSN 1999-4907
• Publisher: MDPI AGCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: Switzerland
• Language: English