Effects of varied nitrogen stress on growth and nutrition in three Salix clones

The ability of Salix aquatica Smith, S. fragilis L. and S. viminalis L. to absorb nitrogen at varied growth rates was investigated in nutrient solutions. The effects of five nitrogen addition rates on growth rates, nitrogen contents of the plants, nitrogen concentration of the media, and dry matter distribution between roots, stems and leaves, were studied.
These clones are highly efficient in absorbing nitrogen at low concentrations in the root medium, independent of growth rate. Strong linear regressions were found between any two of the three factors: relative rate of nitrogen supply (R_N), nitrogen content (plant), and relative growth rate (R). Dry matter production per unit nitrogen taken up and unit time (N-productivity) and per unit nitrogen taken up independent of time (N-efficiency) was closely correlated to the nitrogen status of the plant. Root development was favoured in the sub-optimum treatments, and leaf development in the optimum treatments. With regard to their ability to absorb nitrogen, these Salix clones appear satisfactory for efficient short rotation energy forestry.