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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Oxford, Mississippi » National Sedimentation Laboratory » Water Quality and Ecology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #155545
Title: GROWTH OF NATURALLY REGENERATED AND ARTIFICALLY PLANTED SALIX NIGRA (BLACK WILLOW)

Author
item GREER, E - UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS
item PEZESHKI, S - UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS
item Shields Jr, Fletcher

Submitted to: Society of Wetland Scientists
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/10/2003
Publication Date: 10/17/2003
Citation: GREER, E., PEZESHKI, S.R., SHIELDS JR, F.D. GROWTH OF NATURALLY REGENERATED AND ARTIFICALLY PLANTED SALIX NIGRA (BLACK WILLOW). SOCIETY OF WETLAND SCIENTSTS. SOUTH CENTRAL CHAPTER FALL MEETING, UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA BIOLOGICAL STATION, STUDENT PRESENTATION ABSTRACTS, 2003. MEETING HANDOUT.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Planting of willow cuttings is one of the most widely practiced techniques for restoring stream corridors and riparian zones. More information is needed regarding long-term performance of planted cuttings. A field study was conducted to test the hypothesis that naturally regenerated plots of Salix nigra were outperforming plots of cuttings planted at roughly the same time as the natural plots. The study further considered if there were significant differences in environmental factors which might govern such responses. Three naturally regenerated plots were compared to three artificially planted plots, each containing eight trees, at Little Topashaw Creek, Mississippi. All plants were roughly two years old at the beginning of the study. Plant growth in natural plots was significantly higher than artificial plots (5.07 m and 2.28 m, respectively, p=0.0001). Soil samples indicated significant difference in percent silt between the two plot types (22.9% in natural vs 14.0% in artificially planted, p=0.03). Depth to the water table was shallower in natural plots compared to artificial plots (40.2 cm and 76.5 cm, respectively, p=0.03). Soil water potential values at 15, 30, and 60 cm depths did not show evidence of drought conditions at natural or artificial plots. Distance to creek was shorter and percent slope was lower at natural plots compared to artificial plots. Greater access to the water table and greater soil water holding capacity may be important factors in producing greater height growth of natural plots during the third growing season.