Developing a cover-management factor for short rotation willow (Salix dasyclados) to estimate erosion using the revised universal soil loss equation

Short rotation willow plantations are becoming more and more attractive as an alternative source of energy. However, the effectiveness of such plantations in erosion control needed to be assessed. The present study conducted in 1999 estimates a cover-management factor for four coppice-rootstock combinations of willow (Salix dasyclados) to evaluate soil loss using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) and makes a comparison with a rotation of alfalfa and corn. Willow plantation provided efficient canopy and ground cover and significant litter input resulting in a low Cover management factor for all the coppice rootstock-combinations plantations except for the first year-coppice plantation. The low C-factor observed resulted in a low estimated soil loss. The alfalfa-corn rotation was more efficient in reducing erosion than the first year coppice willow, but the second year coppice and the first and third year after harvest plantations had greater ability to control erosion.