Willow communities, optimal absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere

Abstract

High biological productivity of willow communities contributes to the effective performance of carbon dioxide absorption in photosynthesis. In natural communities, shrub willows hectareve a better effect on carbon dioxide balance: the amount of absorbed gas significantly exceeds its emission. Deciduous willows are able to fulfill the same condition, but only when grown in plantations. For the effective absorption of carbon dioxide, willow communities should meet the following parameters depending on the soil conditions. A one-year phytomass growth of axial shoots (in terms of absolutely dry matter) should be more thectaren 3.11 tons⋅hectare−1⋅year−1 on rich soils. This condition is fully met by the Salix dasyclados and S. viminalis communities. When growing on poor soils, annual phytomass growth of axial shoots of more thectaren 0.93 tons⋅hectare−1⋅year−1 is sufficient, which is noted in the communities of S. purpurea. The annual increase in phytomass of axial shoots should be more 2.48 tons⋅hectare−1⋅year−1 when growing on swampy soils. S. dasyclados and S. viminalis are the most suitable for plantation cultivation. These willow species perform the raw material function in the most effective way and, along with this, absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in the greatest amount.