Effect of Pollarding for Fodder on Fine Root Dynamics of Soil Conservation Willow Trees in New Zealand

Mcivor Ian R,Hedderley Duncan,Mason Karen

doi:10.36959/742/221

Abstract

A field study of the effect of pollarding on fine root development of tree willow (Salix matsudana × alba 'Tangoio') was carried out measuring fine and coarse root length and mass for unpollarded (UP), pollarded (IP) and repollarded trees (RP) at 3-monthly intervals over a period of 1 year following pollarding.

Highlights

New-Zealand is well known for its pastoral farmingErosion is a significant environmental issue facing agricultural and forestry land uses in large parts of the hill country of New Zealand [1]
In this study we investigated how the immediate and medium-term effect of pollarding may alter the soil stabilizing effectiveness of tree willows by studying the root dynamics, of the fine roots, of mature Salix matsudana Koidzumi × alba Linnaeus ‘Tangoio’ willows grown on a pastoral hill slope and following pollarding
The soil water differences were likely contributed by higher transpiration rates, and interception of rainfall due to greater leaf area and canopy size, of UP trees compared with in fRLD for pollarded (IP) and repollarded trees (RP) trees

Summary

Introduction

New-Zealand is well known for its pastoral farmingErosion is a significant environmental issue facing agricultural and forestry land uses in large parts of the hill country of New Zealand [1]. Pastoral hill country erosion became so severe, the Water and Soil Conservation Act was passed by the New Zealand Government in 1941. The two most suitable species proved to be poplar (Populus spp.) and willow (Salix spp.) [2]. Both species are readily established from large poles in the presence of stock, with a minimum of protection, are cheap to produce, and are transported and planted on steep unstable hill country [2]. Immediate reductions in pasture production follow landslide erosion events on steep hill country [3] and mature poplar and willow trees reduce the incidence of soil slippage to very low levels when compared

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Discussion

Conclusion