Willows can be planted on contaminated land and remove heavy metals. The annual leaf litter return improves the soil structure and nutrient status and greatly increases invertebrate populations.
What we know about willow in bioremediation and phytoextraction
Very effective phytoextractors due to their rapid growth, high biomass, and significant ability to accumulate metals like cadmium and zinc, copper and nickel.
Excellent candidates for phytoextraction without the risk of metals entering the food chain.
Pioneering genus that can grow in extreme environments with high levels of contamination e.g. former industrial sites, sewage farms, landfill sites etc.
The ability to tolerate and accumulate high metal concentrations without significant growth inhibition varies significantly among different willow species and varieties.
What we're exploring next
Development of best practice guidelines.
Reduced regulatory burden through training of regulators - Make it easier for land managers to establish crops rather than simply using land for conservation or grazing.
