Developing living cover crop systems for willow biomass crop establishment

There is potential for soil erosion during willow biomass crop establishment, especially on marginal land. This study examined the use of cover crops (white clover and Low GroRTM) and management approaches (strip spraying and mowing) on the establishment of willow varieties (9882-34 and SX61). White clover significantly reduced weed biomass and cover compared to controls. Cover in the strip sprayed white clover was approximately 40% and greater than 75% in the non sprayed treatments. Willow survival and growth was greatest in the white clover strip spray treatments followed by the strip sprayed Low GroRTM treatments. Mowing had no impact on willow growth. Variety 9882-34 performed better in this trial than SX61. Low GroRTM had limited effect on weed cover or willow growth due to poor establishment. Strip spraying in combination with a spring planted cover crop appears to be an effective technique to reduce erosion potential during willow biomass crop establishment.