4. Physiological Reaction of Salix viminalis to Stress of Anthropogenic Origin

The aim of the study was to compare the growth and some physiological parameters of Salix viminalis of Bjor clone growing on anthropologically changed soil beds. Sensitivity of Salix viminalis to soil bed degradation was evaluated based on measurement of its biometric (intensity of shoots growth and their diameter, yield structure), physiological (assimilation and transpiration intensity, water content in shoots and a+b chlorophyll concentration and proline content) features. As a result of the studies, a significant influence of the examined, degraded soil beds was reported on a decrease in growth, productivity and physiological status of the basket willow of Bjorn clone. Salinity was the factor most reducing the above mentioned features. Among the examined stress factors, the basket willow was the most sensitive to soil bed acidity.
Salinity was the reason for the highest proline concentration in the leaves – an osmoprotectant engaged in protecting the plant from the stress results.