Harvesting of coppiced willow
Crop agronomy
Crop management
- Planting density and configuration
- Planting material
- Optimum harvest intervals
- Weed control
Disease control
- Many of the early willow genotypes were severely affected with rust (Melampsora epitea) which severely reduced yield
- AFBI developed a system of growing willow in genotype mixtures which reduced the impact of the disease and increased yields
- The methods developed are now included in the ‘Best Practice Guidelines’ for SRC willow
Genotype evaluation
![](https://www.afbini.gov.uk/sites/afbini.gov.uk/files/styles/inline-expandable/public/images/Genotype%20Trial%20affected%20by%20rust.jpg?itok=F0Y0YXyC)
Biomass genotype trial
Multifunctional uses of the crops such as for bioremediation/biofiltration and riparian strips for the management of
- Runnoff waters
- Agricultural waste water
- Municipal waste waters
- Landfill leachate
Harvesting and processing
- Comparison of different harvesting and drying methods
- Direct cut and chip
- Whole stem harvesting
- Biobailer
Carbon foot -printing of the benefits of such renewable energy schemes
![](https://www.afbini.gov.uk/sites/afbini.gov.uk/files/styles/inline-expandable/public/images/Chip%20Screening.jpg?itok=5H3Ci9u8)
Wood chip screening
- Miscanthus (elephant grass)
- Paulownia (a very fast growing tropical tree)
- Forest brash