High yielding biomass genotypes of willow (Salix spp.) show differences in below ground biomass allocation

A - Papers appearing in refereed journals

Cunniff, J., Purdy, S. J., Barraclough, T. J. P., Castle, M., Maddison, A. L., Jones, L. E., Shield, I. F., Gregory, A. S. and Karp, A. 2015. High yielding biomass genotypes of willow (Salix spp.) show differences in below ground biomass allocation. Biomass & Bioenergy. 80 (September), pp. 114-127. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2015.04.020

AuthorsCunniff, J., Purdy, S. J., Barraclough, T. J. P., Castle, M., Maddison, A. L., Jones, L. E., Shield, I. F., Gregory, A. S. and Karp, A.
Abstract

Willows (Salix spp.) grown as short rotation coppice (SRC) are viewed as a sustainable source of biomass with a positive greenhouse gas (GHG) balance due to their potential to fix and accumulate carbon (C) below ground. However, exploiting this potential has been limited by the paucity of data available on below ground biomass allocation and the extent to which it varies between genotypes. Furthermore, it is likely that allocation can be altered considerably by environment. To investigate the role of genotype and environment on allocation, four willow genotypes were grown at two replicated field sites in southeast England and west Wales, UK. Above and below ground biomass was intensively measured over two two-year rotations. Significant genotypic differences in biomass allocation were identified, with below ground allocation differing by up to 10% between genotypes. Importantly, the genotype with the highest below ground biomass also had the highest above ground yield. Furthermore, leaf area was found to be a good predictor of below ground biomass. Growth environment significantly impacted allocation; the willow genotypes grown in west Wales had up to 94% more biomass below ground by the end of the second rotation. A single investigation into fine roots showed the same pattern with double the volume of fine roots present. This greater below ground allocation may be attributed primarily to higher wind speeds, plus differences in humidity and soil characteristics. These results demonstrate that the capacity exists to breed plants with both high yields and high potential for C accumulation.

Year of Publication2015
JournalBiomass & Bioenergy
Journal citation80 (September), pp. 114-127
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2015.04.020
Open accessPublished as ‘gold’ (paid) open access
FunderBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
Funder project or codeCropping Carbon (CC) [ISPG]
The BBSRC Sustainable Bioenergy Centre (BSBEC): Perennial Bioenergy Crops Programme [2009-2014]
Publisher's version
Output statusPublished
Publication dates
Online20 May 2015
Publication process dates
Accepted22 Apr 2015
PublisherElsevier
Elsevier
Copyright licenseCC BY
ISSN0961-9534

Permalink - https://repository.rothamsted.ac.uk/item/8v0qw/high-yielding-biomass-genotypes-of-willow-salix-spp-show-differences-in-below-ground-biomass-allocation

210 total views
121 total downloads
1 views this month
1 downloads this month
Download files as zip