ECOLINK

The three experimental field sites of ECOLINK-Salix have been established along a 1500 km latitudinal gradient, from Uppsala (Sweden) to Rostock and Freiburg (Germany), in spring 2014. In 2020 the Freiburg site was abandoned. Now the ECOLINK-Salix experiment consists of two sites. The plantations are short rotation coppice stands. Shoot biomass was harvested for the first time after three years of growth (in winter 2016/2017).

The overall goal of ECOLINK-Salix is assessing the effects of genotype identity and diversity in willow short rotation coppice on various ecosystem functions and, ultimately, tree growth and yield stability (e.g. resistance to drought and pests). Particular focus lies on functions that are important for ecological sustainability, such as water and nutrient use, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity.

We will test the ecosystem consequences of adding individual genotypes of trees. We want to functionally and quantitatively explore how the heritable traits of some genotypes of Salix affect (1) ecosystem productivity, litter decomposition and soil carbon sequestration; (2) the abundance and structure of associated mycorrhiza communities; (3) the action of herbivorous insects; and (4) the diversity and function of understory vegetation. At individual sites, additional research questions will be conducted, e.g. on resource use complementarity, soil hydrology or wood quality.

The research will have implications for future bio-energy concepts because new genotypes of energy crops such as Salix generated by plant breeding must comply with sustainability requirements, e.g., biodiversity and carbon sequestration, for a carbon-neutral and environmentally friendly energy source.

Watch this talk for a summary of our research on species or genotype identity vs. stand diversity in Salix biomass plantations for productivity and other ecosystem functions (26th IPC session, October 2021). For more information, please see the project’s external website.