Impact of Nitrogen Fertilization to Short-Rotation Willow Coppice Plantations Grown in Sweden on Yield and Economy

A fertilization trial was carried out in established short-rotation willow coppice (SRWC) plantations of two bred varieties of willow (Salix spp.; Tora and Jorr) at five sites in central Sweden between 2008 and 2010. Mineral nitrogen was applied at four different rates: No fertilization (Control), 160 kg nitrogen ha(-1) as a single dose after harvest (Economy), 60-100-60 kg nitrogen ha(-1) in year 1-2-3 (Normal), and 160 kg nitrogen ha(-1) year(-1) in years 1-3 (Intensive), using a randomized block design with four replicates. The yield response (biomass increase per kg fertilizer nitrogen) was 65, 67 and 46 kg kg(-1) in the Economy, Normal and Intensive treatments, respectively. The results from the fertilization trial were used for economic calculations of different fertilization strategies given varying costs for fertilization and marginal value of the increased yield (price received for wood chips minus the costs for harvest and transportation of wood chips to a district heating plant). Comparative calculations were made based on data from a previous fertilization trial during the first cutting cycle of old, non-bred varieties. The calculations showed positive net present values of fertilizing bred willow varieties given a realistic fertilization response and a price for wood chips close to the market price for forestry-based wood chips in Sweden.