![]() Low bulk densities in the topsoil have been reported as a consequence of SRC site preparation, which subsequently increased in the course of nine years due to natural compaction ( Makeschin, 1994). Available studies are restricted to SRC with young stand ages and concentrate on the topsoil. The soil physical properties are crucial for plant growth, since they govern the amounts of water and air available for the plants and thus influence root and biomass growth. Little is known, however, about the impact of SRC on the physical properties of soils. carbon sequestration potential ( Berhongaray et al., 2017), microbial biomass, colonization and activities in the soil ( Mao and Zeng, 2010), and nutrient dynamics ( Ens et al., 2013). So far, investigations of the impact of poplar or willow SRC on soil focus mainly on chemical or biological characteristics, e.g. As the land area under SRC increases, more detailed information on the potential impacts of SRC on the soil is needed. The area covered with SRC has increased in many European countries as a result of a growing demand for energy wood and favourable conditions for subsidies in the European Union, e.g., in Sweden ( Hoffmann and Weih, 2005), Finland ( Wall and Heiskanen, 2003), Great Britain ( Rowe et al., 2009), Ireland ( Murphy et al., 2014), and Germany ( Murach et al., 2008). Possible drawbacks of SRC are large water requirements and their possible impact on local water resources ( Petzold et al., 2011 Hartwich et al., 2016) as well as the potential to threaten the water quality, depending on the management practices especially in the phases of establishment and final removal of the trees ( Goodlass et al., 2007 Nisbet et al., 2011). The advantages of poplar and willow for SRC are their high energy efficiency and large biomass production potentials compared to conventional arable crops, while requirements for fertilisation, pest management and tillage are low ( Aylott et al., 2008 Dimitriou et al., 2009). Short rotation coppice is typically established on land that was formerly under conventional arable use, and is characterized by a no-till perennial use (10–25 years) and harvested every 2–6 years ( Baum et al., 2009 Dimitriou et al., 2009). Short-rotation coppice (SRC) with poplar ( Populus ssp.) and willow ( Salix ssp.) is widely used to produce biomass for energy generation ( Berhongaray et al., 2017). SRC has ecologically advantageous effects on soil physical properties of the topsoil, however, combined with an enhanced risk of preferential solute transport upon application of agrochemicals. Dye tracer experiments showed that the importance of preferential flow was higher under SRC due to tree root channels and an increasing colonisation with invertebrates. The penetration resistance in 25–50 cm depth was reduced under SRC compared to the cropland, indicating a loosening of the plough pan. This effect was especially pronounced in the uppermost 10 cm, where also the air capacity and the plant-available water content were higher under SRC. The topsoil's bulk density was significantly lower under SRC than under cropland. An 18-year-old SRC located in northeastern Germany was compared to an adjacent continuous arable cropping system by means of soil sampling, penetrologger measurements and dye tracer experiments. The objective of this study was to detect the effects of long-term SRC with poplar and willow on the vertical distribution of soil physical properties (bulk density, water retention, penetration resistance) and on solute transport patterns. Notwithstanding the uncertainties and qualitative nature of the results, the analysis offers starting points for managers willing to pay attention to breeding birds.As the land area of short-rotation coppice (SRC) increases, their soil physical impacts have to be evaluated. Exemplary design and management packages were developed, with corresponding breeding bird species and appropriate policy strategy. The analysis indicates considerable opportunities to increase willow SRC potentials, with limited productivity reduction, especially for breeding birds of shrubs and hedges. For government steering strategies to enhance bird-friendly design and management of willow SRC, two approaches are evaluated in the framework of agency theory: rewarding behaviour versus rewarding actual results. Methods were literature review and expert consultation. In this study, we systematically explore the possible relations between design and management of willow SRC and the occurrence of individual species and ecological groups of breeding birds. Willow in short-rotation coppice (SRC) for energy may be an attractive habitat for many breeding bird species. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |