Short-rotation willow productivity and nutrient dynamics after three years of irrigation and fertilization
Date
2012-03-13
Authors
Hangs, R.D.
Schoenau, J.J.
Van Rees, K.C.J.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ORCID
Type
Presentation
Degree Level
Abstract
Purpose-grown shrub willow (Salix spp.) represents a viable bioenergy feedstock; however, there needs to be sufficient biomass production to support the economic viability of these plantations. The objective of this three-year study was to determine the effect of irrigation and fertilization on willow biomass feedstock quantity. A split-split-plot experimental design was used on a Sutherland clay soil in Saskatoon, SK and consisted of two willow varieties (SV1 and Charlie), three irrigation treatments (no irrigation, 75%, and 100% field capacity), and three fertilization treatments (no fertilizer, 1x, and 2x recommended fertilizer rate). During the final growing season, 15N-labelled fertilizer was used to determine the fate of the applied fertilizer. For both willow varieties, after the three-year rotation there was a highly significant (P values < 0.0001) growth response to irrigation, with no significant (P values > 0.05) effects of fertilization or irrigation x fertilization. Sixty-seven percent of the applied fertilizer N was accounted for, with approximately 30% present within the willow tissues (e.g., stems, leaves, and roots). The positive willow growth response to irrigation is indicative of the importance of soil moisture within the semi-arid climate of Saskatchewan. The lack of fertilizer effect probably reflects the fertile soil at the site and the apparently low nutrient requirement of willow.
Description
Keywords
biomass energy, fertilization, irrigation, 15N-labelled fertilizer, willow productivity
Citation
Degree
Department
Program
Advisor
Committee
Part Of
Soils and Crops Workshop