Sodium and chloride accumulation in leaf, woody, and root tissue of Populus after irrigation with landfill leachate

The response of Populus to irrigation sources containing elevated levels of sodium (Na +) and chloride (Cl −) is poorly understood. We irrigated eight Populus clones with fertilized well water (control) (N, P, K) or municipal solid waste landfill leachate weekly during 2005 and 2006 in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, USA (45.6°N, 89.4°W). During August 2006, we tested for differences in total Na + and Cl − concentration in preplanting and harvest soils, and in leaf, woody (stems + branches), and root tissue. The leachate-irrigated soils at harvest had the greatest Na + and Cl − levels. Genotypes exhibited elevated total tree Cl − concentration and increased biomass (clones NC14104, NM2, NM6), elevated Cl − and decreased biomass (NC14018, NC14106, DM115), or mid levels of Cl − and biomass (NC13460, DN5). Leachate tissue concentrations were 17 (Na +) and four (Cl −) times greater than water. Sodium and Cl − levels were greatest in roots and leaves, respectively. Sodium and chloride supplied via landfill leachate irrigation is accumulated at high concentrations in tissues of Populus.