Effects of mechanical planting on establishment and early growth of willow

► Willow cutting quality is a major determinant of establishment performance of SRC. ► Undamaged cuttings have a better performance than visibly damaged cuttings. ► Planting by machine on compacted soil results in cuttings laying on the soil surface. ► The poorer performance of thinner cuttings is more pronounced in compacted soil. ► We recommend a cutting diameter of at least 10-11 mm.