The potential for short rotation energy forestry on restored landfill caps

This review examines the potential for producing biomass on restored landfi lls using willow and poplar species in short rotation energy forestry. In s outhern England, the potential production may be about 20 t ha(-1) of dry s tem wood annually. However, actual yields are likely to be constrained by d etrimental soil conditions, including shallow depth, compaction, low water holding capacity and poor nutritional status. These factors will affect pla nt growth by causing drought, waterlogging, poor soil aeration and nutritio nal deficiencies. Practical solutions to these problems include the correct placement and handling of the agricultural cap material, soil amelioration using tillage and the addition of organic matter (such as sewage sludge), irrigation (possibly using landfill leachate), the installation of drainage and the application of inorganic fertilizers. The correct choice of specie s and clone, along with good site management are also essential if economic ally viable yields are to be obtained. Further investigations are required to determine the actual yields that can be obtained on landfill sites using a range of management inputs. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights re served.