Skip to main content
SLU publication database (SLUpub)

Review article2009Peer reviewed

Effects of short rotation coppice with willows and poplar on soil ecology

Baum, Christel; Leinweber, Peter; Weih, Martin; Lamersdorf, Norbert; Dimitriou, Ioannis

Abstract

Fast growing willow and poplar clones (Salix and Populus spp) grown as short rotation coppice (SRC) on former arable soils lead to a long-term non-tillage management with increased litter amounts Additionally, the litter composition is changed (e.g increased C/N ratios and lignin contents) and thereby the litter decomposition can be retarded An increased C sequestration in the topsoil of former ploughed arable soils can resu t from these effects The leaf litter recycles a high portion of nutrients In contrast to other crops, willows and poplar can be colonised by ectomycorrhizal fungi This leads to the introduction of ectomycorrhizal fungi into arable soils and to changes in the soil microbial colonization and activity The non-tillage management and the high litter supply can change the abundance and diversity of the soil fauna, e g increase the abundance of earthworms (Lumbricidae) and in spite of an increased diversity decrease the abundance of carabids (Carabidae) Willow and poplar clones are highly suitable for phytoremediation of contaminated soils (e g extraction of Cd, Zn and degradation of organic pollution) caused by their high biomass production in combination with high fine root density Several soil ecological advantages of short rotation coppice compared to former arable soils with annual crops can be statec, however, more research-based knowledge is needed especially on the fundamentals of long-term effects and on the sustainability of effects after return to their former commercial arable use

Keywords

Soil; carbon sequestration; soil organisms; mycorrhiza; phytoremediation; soil organic matter

Published in

Landbauforschung
2009, Volume: 59, number: 3, pages: 183-196
Publisher: FORSCHUNGSANSTALT FUR LANDWIRT BRAUNSCHWEIG VOLKENRODE