Impact of the energy willow planting density on the canopy architecture in 9th and 10th year of cultivation

Abstract

The purpose of the present paper was an assessment of the dynamics of the regrowth of the shoots of 10 genotypes of basket willow (Salix viminalis L.) in the 9th and 10th year of cultivation on light soil in the Middle Pomerania (16°24’N and 54°8’E) with a diversified planting density of cuttings (15.020, 22.134 and 33.200 pcs. ha-1). The field experiment was established in 2007 with 3 planting densities of willow cuttings, and 10 willow genotypes. In 2016–2017, the regrowth dynamics of willow shoots was assessed separately in the first and second row of the plot. The willow genotype, the planting density of cuttings during the establishment of the plantation, the number of the years of shoot regrowth and variants of shoots mowing had an impact on the willow canopy architecture in the 9th and 10th year. The reaction of genotypes with the individual parameters of the canopy architecture was not identical.