Canadian Forest Service Publications
Allometric relationships from coppice structure of seven North American willow (Salix) species. 2016. Mosseler, A.; Major, J.E.; Larocque, G.R. Biomass and Bioenergy 88: 97–105.
Year: 2016
Issued by: Atlantic Forestry Centre
Catalog ID: 36860
Language: English
Availability: PDF (request by e-mail)
Available from the Journal's Web site. †
DOI: 10.1016/j.biombioe.2016.03.025
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Abstract
Biomass yield and component coppice growth traits were assessed in up to 20 clones from seven native North American willow species, Salix amygdaloides (AMY), Salix bebbiana (BEB), Salix discolor (DIS), S. eriocephala (ERI), Salix humilis (HUM), Salix interior (INT), and Salix nigra (NIG), established together in a clonally replicated common-garden field test. Aboveground mass, coppice stem number, stem length, and stem basal diameter measurements on up to 20 of the largest stems from 2-yr-old coppiced plants showed that ERI had the greatest aboveground mass, followed by INT, and then a close grouping of BEB, DIS, and HUM; the “tree” willows, AMY and NIG had the lowest yields. The tree willows were not as prolific in coppice stem sprout production as were the shrub willows. The greatest number of sprouts was produced by ERI, with one coppice producing 67 2-yr-old stem sprouts, and ERI also showed an atypical, non-negative relationship between stem size and stem number; whereas the other six willows showed a varying but expected negative relationship between coppice stem size and stem number. Species differences in allometric relationships highlight the need to develop species-specific models for more accurate non-destructive biomass yield estimation.
Plain Language Summary
Objectives are to understand allometric relationships in short-rotation biomass production aimed at increased growth and yield. The study aimed at clonal selection in native willows for increased yield. Willow biomass yield can be predicted based on simple non-destructive measures of coppice growth form. This study will help in estimation of biomass yields for economic viability assessment of short-rotation coppice plantations.