Evaluation of the Behavior of Some Genotypes of Salix sp. in the Conditions of Sandy Soils

Abstract

The aim of this study was to make a comparative analyse of nine willow genotypes (seven Romanian and two Swedish clones) in order to test them for short rotation coppice. Researches have been carried out in the sandy soils from Southern Romania, over a period of two years of vegetation. There were made determinations as concern plants growth and development and were referring to survival rate, stem height, number of shoots/plant and stem diameter at the base. Hydric stress is one of the main factors of limiting plant growth on this type of soil and the experimented willow genotypes have reacted differently. The obtained results have shown the fact that the largest vegetative growth was recorded in Pesred and Inger genotypes. It also emphasizes with good results in terms of the quantity of biomass RO 1077, Fragisal and Robisal genotypes. Based on the obtained results it can appreciate that Salix sp. represents a solution of utilize the sandy soils which have low fertile and obtaining considerable amounts of biomass, in the conditions of ensuring of water and nutritive resources.

Keywords

• short rotation crops (SRC), sandy soil, quantitative characteristics