Effects of soil moisture regimes on growth and survival of black willow (Salix nigra) posts (cuttings)

Abstract

A study was conducted under greenhouse conditions to examine the effects of various soil moisture regimes on black willow (Salix nigra) posts (cuttings). Five treatments representing a range of soil moisture regimes, from continuous flooding to mild drought, were imposed separately. A well-watered, welldrained treatment served as the control. Leaf gas exchange (stomatal conductance and net photosynthesis), survival, and biomass production of posts were evaluated. The stomatal conductance and net photosynthesis data clearly demonstrated the sensitivity of willow posts to low oxygen conditions (under flooded treatments) as well as to soil drought. Growth and biomass were also adversely affected by flooding and drought treatments. The patterns of root development along the posts seemed to be associated with the watering regime. Root biomass was depressed in zones subjected to flooding and low soil redox potential. In addition, leaf area, leaf biomass, and shoot (leaf+branch) biomass were significantly lower in the continuously-flooded and drought treatments as compared to control plants. Results indicated that maximum photosynthesis and growth in willow posts required ample soil moisture (but non-waterlogging conditions) and adequate drainage in the top 60 cm of soil. The use of willow posts for streambank restoration remains as a viable strategy; however, considerations should be given to water-table elevations, soil Eh conditions, soil moisture regime, and soil texture in order to improve the prospect for successful results.

Willow (Salix spp.) and aspen (Populus tremula) regrowth after felling by the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber): implications for riparian woodland conservation in Scotland

“…The roots of the Salicaceae, which includes willows and poplars, are known to be tolerant of anaerobic conditions for long periods, although inter-specific differences in this tolerance are great (Karrenberg et al, 2002). While some studies have observed willows thriving in beaver ponds after 5 years of inundation (Amlin and Rood, 2001), others have documented reduced growth in inundated conditions (Jackson and Atwood, 1996;Pezeshki et al, 1998). Indeed, some authors have suggested that growth of flooded willow stops after two growing seasons and mortality increases (Knighton, 1981;Ohmann et al, 1990).…”

Responses of nonstructural carbohydrates to shoot removal and soil moisture treatments in Salix nigra

“…nigra is a wetland plant with adaptations for survival in flooded conditions including the development of lenticels, adventitious roots and aerenchyma tissue that facilitates transport of oxygen from aboveground shoots to belowground roots (Seago et al 2005). However, oxygen is also leaked into the rhizosphere surrounding the roots which may help moderate the effects of toxic reduced ions (Godfrey and Wooten 1981;Pezeshki et al 1998;Amlin and Rood 2001;Cronk and Fennessy 2001;Pezeshki 2001).…”

Effects of hydrology and competition on plant growth in a freshwater marsh of northeast China

“…In general, hydrology exerts strong effects on both soilatmosphere gas exchange and soil redox dynamics (Pezeshki 2001;Niedermeier and Robinson 2007), and consequently, leaf stomatal conductance, photosynthesis (Pezeshki et al 1998;Li et al 2004), and plant biomass production (Kennedy et al 2003;Li et al 2004;Garcia-Serrano et al 2007;Jung et al 2009). Therefore, a better understanding of the relationship between plant growth and hydrology can improve the effectiveness of wetlands management and restoration (Brock and Britton 1995).…”