Search Results (32)

This study evaluated the response of two willow varieties, Salix × smithiana Willd. and Salix viminalis L. var. Gigantea, to selected heavy metals and elevated soil salinity, simulating complex environmental conditions during phytoremediation. Plants propagated from stem cuttings were cultivated in pots under field conditions in soil artificially contaminated with a mixture of Cd, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Pb salts at two concentration levels representing lower and higher guideline thresholds. Sodium chloride was added to induce salinity stress. S. × smithiana exhibited enhanced growth under combined metal and salinity stress, suggesting efficient tolerance mechanisms. This was reflected in elevated relative water content (RWC) and increased accumulation of Zn and Cd in shoots. In contrast, Gigantea showed growth inhibition and primarily sequestered metals in roots, indicating a stress-avoidance strategy and reduced metal translocation. While salinity alone negatively affected both varieties, its combination with metals mitigated growth reduction in S. × smithiana, possibly due to improved ion homeostasis or cross-tolerance. Zn and Cd displayed the highest bioconcentration and mobility. Based on bioconcentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF), S. × smithiana appears suitable for phytoextraction, whereas S. viminalis var. Gigantea appears suitable for phytostabilization. These results support species-specific approaches to phytoremediation in multi-contaminant environments. Full article

This study investigates the impact of sewage sludge-based composts on the quality of sod-podzolic soils (Fluvisols, WRB), which are naturally acidic and low in fertility. A field experiment with eight variants was conducted, applying different doses of sewage sludge and composts mixed with organic materials to enhance soil properties. Energy crops, including Salix viminalis L., Miscanthus × giganteus, and Panicum virgatum L., along with Helianthus tuberosus, were cultivated in three replications to ensure research reliability. The study assessed changes in physicochemical soil properties, nutrient availability, and heavy metal accumulation within the soil-plant-ash continuum. Results indicated that compost application improved soil fertility, increased biomass yields, and influenced heavy metal dynamics, with variations depending on the applied compost type and dosage. The findings highlight the potential of sewage sludge composts to enhance soil productivity while maintaining environmental safety. Full article

This research focuses on producing particleboards from the biomass of plantation willow (Salix viminalis L.) and poplar (Populus spp.), aiming to explore their feasibility as sustainable materials for various applications. Fast-growing willow and poplar are known for their rapid growth and suitability for energy production. They present an intriguing alternative as raw materials with added value for particleboard manufacturing. This study investigates the selected mechanical and physical properties of the produced particleboards, considering parameters such as density profile, bending strength, modulus of elasticity, internal bond, water absorption, thickness swelling, and screw withdrawal resistance. The research results were also compared between different mass shares of willow and poplar particles in the particleboards. The results show that the panels produced entirely from the tested alternative raw materials had a modulus of rupture of 21.7 N mm⁻² compared to 14.6 N mm⁻² for the reference panels, with an internal bond of about 2.02 N mm⁻² compared to 0.65 N mm⁻² for the reference panels. The thickness swelling after 24 h of soaking was about 24.2% compared to 42.2% for reference panels. The findings underscore the promising potential of willow and poplar-based particleboards as eco-friendly alternatives in the construction and furniture industries, contributing to resource efficiency and carbon emission reduction efforts. Full article

As an alternative wood source for biochar and a cost-effective renewable energy source, sustainable biomass production based on fast-growing willows irrigated with treated wastewater has been explored. Salix alba L. and Salix viminalis L. were selected for assessment of their potentially high woody biomass productivity and phytoremediation efficiency when irrigated with greywater treated by floating treatment wetlands. Both Salix species produced significantly (p < 0.05) high woody biomass in the second harvest, with a significantly higher fresh woody biomass weight with higher water content (53%) for S. viminalis compared to S. alba. The dry biomass weight of S. alba was greater than of S. viminalis at the first harvest. The element accumulations in substrates changed significantly after irrigation, with greywater compared to the raw substrate following this order: Mg > Fe > Al > Cr > Mn > Cd > Cu > B. Element concentrations accumulated in twigs of S. alba following this order: Ca > Mg > Na > Mn > Zn > Fe > Al > Cd > Cu > Cr > Ni > B, but for S. viminalis the order was Ca > Mg > Mn > Zn > Na > Fe > Al > Cd > Cu > Ni > Cr > B. The accumulations of Al, B, Ca, Fe, Mg, Mn, and Ni were significantly greater in S. alba leaves compared to their twigs, which showed significantly high accumulations of Na and Zn. The accumulations of Al, B, Ca, Fe, Mg, Mn, and Na were significantly greater in S. viminalis leaves compared to their twigs. Full article

Wood ash is sometimes used as an alternative to mineral fertilizers; however, there is still a paucity of reliable data concerning its effect on plants—and on biological properties of soil. The present study aimed to determine the possible extent of soil pollution with ash from Salix viminalis that does not disturb the growth of Zea mays L., intended for energetic purposes, in order to identify how the increasing ash doses affect biochemical and physicochemical properties of soil and to finally to establish the neutralizing effects of soil additives, i.e., compost and HumiAgra preparation, on this soil pollutant. The study demonstrated that the heating value of Zea mays L. was stable and not modified by the excess content of ash from Salix viminalis in the soil. This finding points to the feasibility of Zea mays L. cultivation on soils contaminated with ash from Salix viminalis and its use in bio-power engineering. The biomass of the aboveground parts of Zea mays L. was significantly reduced after soil contamination with Salix viminalis ash dose of 20 g kg⁻¹ d.m. soil, whereas the smaller ash doses tested (5–10 g kg⁻¹ d.m. soil) did not impair either the growth or the development of Zea mays L. The ash inhibited activities of all analyzed soil enzymes but increased soil pH and sorption capacity. Fertilization with compost proved more effective in neutralizing the adverse effect of ash on enzymatic activity of the soil. Full article

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of drought on the accumulation and tolerance of energy willow (Salix viminalis L. var. ‘Gigantea’) to copper (Cu) and nickel (Ni) in the context of phytoremediation potential of the plant and biomass production under adverse water conditions. Drought was simulated with polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000. 5%), and metals were added at a concentration of 1 mM. Plants were cultivated in greenhouse conditions for 21 days according to the experimental variants: control, Cu, Ni, PEG, PEG + Cu and PEG + Ni. The results indicate high toxicity of Cu (chlorosis, necrosis, decrease in biomass, plant dehydration, increase in the content of proline and phenolic compounds), and PEG + Cu co-treatment increased the toxicity of the metal. Ni applied at the same concentration did not cause toxicity symptoms. The willow exhibits the ability to accumulate Ni, and mutual application of PEG + Ni increased Ni uptake to new shoots. Cu caused elevated accumulation of proline and phenolics in leaves accompanied with a decreased carbon and nitrogen content in roots in favor of young shoots. Both metals and drought led to disruption in the content of mineral nutrients (Ca, Mg, Fe). Due to high tolerance to Ni and drought, S. viminalis var. ‘Gigantea’ bears high potential for biomass production on Ni-polluted sites with accompanying metal uptake increased under water deficit. Full article

Fast-growing species have been increasingly developed in recent years, and among them, those cultivated to obtain combustible woody biomass have shown rapid development. The purpose of this research study is to highlight the properties of the briquettes and pellets obtained from energetic willow compared to the briquettes and pellets obtained from oak biomass. Methodologies have been based on international standards and were used to find the physical, mechanical, and calorific properties of the two types of briquettes and pellets. The results did not highlight a significant difference between the two categories of briquettes and pellets obtained from the two hardwood species (energetic willow and oak). Characteristics such as the calorific value were 20.7 MJ/kg for native pellets and 21.43 MJ/kg for torrefied pellets of energetic willow, as well as the compressive strength of 1.02 N/mm², surpassed the same characteristics of briquettes and pellets obtained from oak biomass. Other characteristics of energetic willows, such as energetic density of 18.0 × 10³ MJ/m³, splitting strength of 0.08 N/mm², shear strength of 0.86 N/mm², and abrasion of 1.92%, were favorably related to the oak biomass. The ecological analysis highlighted the high potential of the ecological willow in a period when the quantities of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere by human activities are very high, and its sequestration by existing forests is insufficient. As a general conclusion of this research study, it can be stated that the two categories of briquettes and pellets obtained from the woody biomass of the energetic willow and oak species have similar characteristics, which can be used separately or together in ecological and sustainable combustion. Full article

Biomass is one of the most significant renewable energy sources. Doubts arise from large-area plantations of energy monocultures, which can lead to the depletion of, and a decrease in, soil biodiversity. Community association analyses of Lumbricidae may help to indicate environmental change. Therefore, the study objectives were to determine the qualitative and quantitative diversity of Lumbricids in plantations of energy crops—basket willow (Salix viminalis L.), foxglove tree (Paulownia tomentosa Steud.), and black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.)—by investigating the following cultivation treatments: SV and SVSS—S. viminalis without (w/o) and with the addition of sewage sludge to the soil (+SS); PT and PTSS—P. tomentosaw/o and + SS; RP and RPSS—R. pseudoacaciaw/o and +SS; and MW—meadow community. A significantly higher density (p < 0.05) and biomass (p < 0.05) of earthworms were found in the SV and SVSS plantations than in other sites. The application of sewage sludge contributed to a significant increase in the mean number and biomass of all Lumbricids within cultivations of S. viminalis and R. pseudoacacia, which were significantly higher than those in the control site. This work suggests that woody energy crop production with an appropriate selection of plants and fertilisation can be a favourable habitat for the development of earthworm populations. Full article

Salix viminalis L. is a species with high capacity for micropropagation and acclimation and could therefore be used to evaluate emergent techniques in the field of plant propagation. The aims of this study were to propagate willow in liquid medium with a continuous immersion system, to explore the application of photoautotrophic conditions and to investigate the adaptation of willow plantlets to different soils that could be used as alternatives to commercial peat. For proliferation, we used 3% sucrose or sugar-free medium, and as substrates, we used commercial peat, a soil from an oak forest with high organic matter content and a crop soil with low organic matter content. The effect of sugar supplementation during proliferation and the soil characteristics during acclimation and growth were evaluated on the basis of aerial and root growth and the hydrolytic and dehydrogenase enzymatic activities of the soils. The results indicate that under photoautotrophic conditions, the supplementation of sucrose during micropropagation did not affect the subsequent growth of the plantlets. All plants acclimated without loss, but the type of soil influenced the height and vigor. Plants produced the highest shoots in peat, whereas the most root development occurred in crop soil. Soil enzyme activities were more influenced by the type of soil than by the presence of plants. Full article

This study investigated the effect of different doses of fertilization with biomass combustion ash (Salix viminalis L. willow) on changes in the biological, chemical, and physical properties of soil. The experiment was carried out on podzolic and chernozem soils in a one-way field experiment (fertilization dose: control (without fertilization), NPK (nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K)), 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 kg K₂O ha⁻¹). The biomass ash was characterized by a pH value of 12.83 ± 0.68 and a high content of macronutrients. The samples were collected from 0–5, 10–15, and 20–25 cm soil layers under the cultivation of spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L) cv. Planet in April and August 2021. Mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) was used for microbiological analyses, which revealed the presence of 53 culturable species from 11 genera: Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Paenibacillus, Lysinibacillus, Pseudarthrobacter, Arthrobacter, Staphylococcus, Paenarthrobacter, Micrococcus, Rhodococcus, and Flavobacterium. The podzolic and chernozem soils exhibited the presence of 28 and 44 culturable species, respectively. The study showed an increase in the number of microorganisms in the top layer of the soil profile. However, the number of bacteria decreased at the depths of 10–15 cm and 20–25 cm. With depth, the bulk density (BD) and moisture increased. Full article

The major disadvantage of setting up a willow coppice is the low survival rate, which reduces economic efficiency and crop sustainability. The aim of this research was to test, under controlled conditions, the impact of water, gibberellic acid A3 (0.05%), and humic acid (0.2%) on the growth and development of two willow clones. Under humic acid treatment, 20 cm cuttings of the Tordis clone developed up to 15 roots, and 25 cm cuttings developed more than 23. In comparison, water stimulated more than 15 roots for both 20 and 25 cm cuttings. Gibberellins acted as an inhibitor, especially on the roots, and the cuttings dried out from the top to the middle, with weak development of shoots and callus formation. For both clones, the highest number of active buds was observed on 20 and 25 cm cuttings grown in water, with more than four for Inger and more than seven for Tordis. Root development of the Inger clone had a maximum of eight for 25 cm cuttings grown in water; it was three times lower in the same variant of Tordis and two times lower for the Tordis clone with humic acid treatment. In general, Inger cuttings of 15 and 25 cm highlighted a delayed root formation when humic acids and gibberellins were applied. In controlled condition experiments, the Tordis clone was more suitable owing to its higher development and increased growth stability. Full article

Carbon (C) cycling is crucial to agroecosystem functioning. Important determinants for the belowground C flow are soil food webs, with microorganisms and microfaunal grazers, i.e., nematodes, as key biota. The present study investigates the incorporation of plant-derived C into the nematode micro-food web under two different cropping systems, grassland (ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and white clover (Trifolium repens L.)) and agroforest (willow (Salix schwerinii Wolf and Salix viminalis L)). To quantify the C flux from the plant into the soil micro-food web, grass and willow were pulse-labeled with ¹³CO₂ and the incorporation of ¹³C into the nematode trophic groups was monitored 3, 7, 14 and 28 days after labeling. The natural stable isotope signals (¹³C/¹²C, ¹⁵N/¹⁴N) were analyzed to determine the structure of the nematode micro-food web. The natural isotopic δ¹⁵N signal revealed different trophic levels for omnivores and predators in grassland and agroforest soils. The incorporation of plant C into nematode tissue was detectable three days after ¹³CO₂ labeling with the highest and fastest C allocation in plant feeders in grassland, and in fungal feeders in agroforest soil. C flux dynamics between the aboveground vegetation and belowground micro-food web varied with cropping system. This demonstrates that crop-specific translocation of C affects the multitrophic interactions in the root environment, which in turn can alter soil nutrient cycling. Full article

The aim of the research was to investigate whether different doses of ash from biomass combustion (Salix viminalis L. willow) have an impact on the number and community of soil bacteria. The experiment was carried out on podzolic and chernozem soils in a one-way field experiment (control, NPK, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 kg K₂Oha⁻¹). The ash from the biomass was characterized by pH 12.83 ± 0.68 and high content of macronutrients. Samples were taken from the 0–5 cm layer of soil under the cultivation of winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L. var. Napus) in April and September 2021. The plate count method with PCA solid medium was used to determine the number of microorganisms, and mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) was used to analyze the microbiological community. The research showed an increase in the number of microorganisms after the use of the biomass ash fertilizer in the variants with ash doses from 200 to 500 kg K₂Oha⁻¹. The highest amount of soil bacteria in both tested soils was determined in these variants. In total, 44 bacterial species of 5 genera were identified in all variants: Bacillus, Paenarthrobacter, Pseudarthrobacter, Pseudomonas, and Rhodococcus. An important factor in the growth of the number of bacteria, in addition to the dose of biomass ash, was soil moisture, which in September was significantly higher than in April 2021 in both soils. Full article

Soil amendments from peats, brown coals and composts produced from segregated biodegradable waste or biomass from fallow land can increase soil fertility and improve soil productivity. The aim of the study was to determine the possibility of using willow (Salix viminalis L.) biomass composts as a substrate component in horticulture. The objects of the research were composts produced from willow carried out in a pile under aerobic conditions. The addition of hay and mineral nitrogen (Nmin) was used to improve process efficiency. In order to verify the type and determine fertilizing value, basic chemical parameters were analyzed (pH, total contents of C, N and P) and a pot experiment was established to analyze the germination and growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). Changes in pH, an increase in total nitrogen content (TN), phosphorus (TP) and a decrease in TOC was observed in the investigated samples. Results of the experiment showed that the highest yield was obtained from the pots with the mixture of willow, hay and Nmin. Matured composts significantly stimulated the germination and growth of the test plants. It can be concluded that the addition of hay and Nmin significantly improved composting process and increased the fertilizing value of the investigated composts. Full article

The effect of sucrose concentration on the micropropagation of axillary shoots of willow was investigated. The following factors were examined: the culture system (semisolid medium in glass jars versus liquid medium in temporary immersion bioreactors), the type of explant (apical and basal sections), the frequency of immersion, and CO₂ enrichment. Shoots and leaf growth were significantly higher in RITA^® bioreactors than in the jars for all the sucrose treatments. Apical or basal sections of willow cultured in bioreactors under high light intensity (150 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹) and ventilated six times a day with CO₂-enriched air were successfully proliferated without sucrose, whereas shoots cultured in jars did not proliferate well if sucrose concentration was 0.5% or lower. More roots were formed when sucrose was added to the medium. Shoots cultured in bioreactors were successfully acclimatized irrespective of the sucrose treatment and the root biomass when transferred to ex vitro conditions. This is the first report of photoautotrophic willow micropropagation, our results confirm the importance of proper gaseous exchange to attain autotrophy during in vitro propagation. Full article