Functional traits of individual varieties as determinants of growth and nitrogen use patterns in mixed stands of willow (Salix spp.)

• Elements of functional growth analysis were successfully applied at stand level. Diversity level had no significant effect on and nitrogen use traits. Trait values assessed in monocultures explained most but not all admixing effects. Teams varieties representing different community functions can be designed. Short rotation plantations willows ( Salix spp.) have high biomass production potential many parts the world, may frequently support ecosystem services related to nutrient cycling. A plantation management enhancing favorable environmental impacts that are conducive maintaining is a main challenge establishing sustainable systems. There evidence supporting hypothesis cycling increased by niche differentiation (complementarity) through number plant species or grown stand. However, specific trait individual components (e.g., varieties) mixed could also more important than diversity per se . We assessed, level, profiles (N) for four taxonomically distinct genotype (‘Björn’, ‘Jorr’, ‘Loden’, ‘Tora’) field-grown unfertilized plots pure communities during one cutting cycle Central Sweden. The aims elements exploring mechanistic relationships between various traits N our willow communities; address two hypotheses (i) above-ground linked growth, uptake efficiency, productivity conservation; (ii) influence variety identities observed mixture. here, we thus found significantly affected In cases, effects characteristics combination with their relative share respective mixtures. absence presence strongly community-averaged (stand level) values. Therefore, design desirable mixtures suggested combine, example, conversion efficiency certain achieve stands acquisition other varieties.