Angular Growth of Willow Trees Enhances Biofuel Production

摘要

Willows are a species of deciduous trees that grow primarily on moist soils in cold and temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. These trees are characterized by an abundant watery presence in the bark sap, which usually contains a large amount of salicylic acid. Its wood is usually soft and rather pliant. The use of willow trees in making physical items cannot be understated. It has been used to make various artifacts since 8300 BC. In more modern times, willow wood has also traditionally been used in the manufacture of cricket bats. However, willow wood has also been cultivated specifically for the purpose of converting its biomass into biofuels. It has been observed that willow trees, when grown diagonally have the capacity to yield up to five times the traditional quantities than when grown naturally straight up. While this effect has been observed both in the wild and in cultivations, so far scientists have been unable to explain the phenomenon. Hence, the challenge is to figure out the reason behind the phenomenon so that it can be further exploited for commercial interests.