Utilization of dilapidated farmland in a coastal sandy area by rapidly growing willow (Salix spp.)

抄録

Dilapidated land with sandy soils in coastal areas caused by the tsunami from the Great East Japan Earthquake could be extensively used when recovery of the agricultural system is temporally difficult. Biomass production using fast-growing willow (Salix spp.) can be an alternative. The present study aimed to determine the feasibility of adding arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AM fungi) and biochar to retain phosphate fertilizer and water for willow production. Two willow clones were tested in the sandy soil of a tsunami-damaged area in Watari Town in Miyagi Prefecture. We found that the fungi significantly promoted willow growth at the start of the cultivation season whereas biochar negatively affected willow growth despite providing a significantly higher soil water content compared with its absence. Biochar might have diluted soil components (phosphate and nitrogen) while increasing the pH. Further study is needed to determine how to apply AM fungi and biochar for optimal long-term growth outcomes.