In order to establish an SRC plantation of willow or poplar the steps that need to be taken are:
- Select an appopriate site
- Design the plantation and crop spacing
- Select and handle the appropriate willow or poplar material
- Prepare the site for the SRC crop
- Plant the material.
Consider the following factors when selecting a potential site for SRC:
- Climate
- Soil conditions
- The effect on the landscape
- Whether the site is of archaelogical importance
- The impact on local biodiversity.
To maximise yield and produce a uniform, easily managed crop, a high standard of site preparation is essential:
- Potentially subsoiling an ex-arable site
- Cultivating the site prior to planting
- Controlling leatherjackets if the site has been used as pasture or set-aside
- Protecting the site from mammals.
Mistakes made when establishing the crop can:
- Be costly to rectify
- Reduce yield.