Growth, Nitrogen Uptake, and Nutritional Value of a Diverse Panel of Shrub Willow (Salix spp.) Genotypes in Response to Nitrogen Fertilization

Riparian buffers are a practical strategy to reduce N runoff. Shrub willows (Salix spp.) well-suited natural means manage water quality due dense aboveground biomass growth, diffuse root systems at shallow depth, and low water- nutrient-use efficiencies that will maximize uptake. Perennial forage crops in the margins of agricultural lands could provide for fodder. The response fifty genotypes single level fertilizer under standard conditions very high nutrient loading (500 ppm N, delivered weekly) was compared with water-only controls. Irrigation excess caused greater growth measured as biomass, stem length, diameter, well morphological properties varied significantly by genotype, indicating potential selection breeding program. SPAD reliable indicator effect on foliar crude protein showed different effects uptake nutritional value among genotypes. We identified display good relative feed value. This intentional design environmental benefits have dual purpose should this potentially nutrient-dense used fodder small ruminants.