Summary
This 18-year field trial demonstrates that Salix species identity substantially influences the molecular composition and diversity of soil organic matter under short-rotation coppice management. Soils under S. dasyclados varieties exhibited higher molecular diversity and lignin content than those under S. viminalis, likely reflecting differences in litter inputs, with effects most pronounced in fertilised plots. The findings suggest that genotype selection should be considered in breeding programmes for bioenergy crops to enhance soil organic carbon accumulation and persistence.
UK applicability
The study was conducted in a long-term Swedish field trial and may have limited direct applicability to UK climate and soil conditions. However, findings on Salix variety selection for soil organic matter enhancement could inform UK bioenergy crop breeding programmes and short-rotation coppice management practices.
Key measures
Molecular composition and diversity of soil organic matter (mid-infrared spectroscopy and pyrolysis GC/MS); lignin content; spatial variability of soil properties
Outcomes reported
The study measured molecular composition and diversity of soil organic matter under different Salix species and varieties using mid-infrared spectroscopy and pyrolysis GC/MS. Differences in soil organic matter characteristics were quantified across fertilised and unfertilised treatment plots over an 18-year field trial.
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