• March 12, 2026

Paludiculture pilot project 4 months later

It has now been 4 months since the planting of the pilot project on paludiculture with willows. Most of the willows have grown considerably, despite the extreme conditions. The most crucial phase after planting is now over.

After planting in June 2024, the willows have had quite a lot to endure. They were planted as 20 cm sticks (which then protruded 4 cm above the ground) or 50 cm sticks (which protruded 20 cm above the ground). The conditions for planting were far from ideal. Due to the very wet year, the soil could not be properly prepared. The grass had to be removed and the surface had to be tilled. This was not successful, so the grass grew above the willows. In addition, it was far too wet in the spring, so planting could only take place in the summer, and this wet year was followed by a veritable snail plague that affected many of the willows.

Nevertheless, 60% of the planted willows are growing, and the most crucial growth phase now seems to be over. It is mainly the longer willow sticks that are doing better. The willows that did not sprout will be replanted with the first harvest. Given the extreme conditions, this first harvest will not take place until May 2026, giving the young willows the chance to develop stronger roots so that they grow even better when they are cut back again.