Scientists & Staff

Ronald S. Zalesny Jr.
News Releases
- Research Gives Trees an Edge in Landfill Clean-upApril 28, 2021
Current Research
I study genetic and physiological mechanisms regulating biomass production of short rotation woody crops (e.g., poplars and willows) grown for phytotechnologies, bioenergy, and fiber.
The provision of ecosystem services associated with these end uses is tightly linked with increasing human population levels at regional, national, and global scales, resulting in the need for such services along the urban to rural continuum that balance community well-being with ecological health and stability. To address this need, I am advancing short rotation woody crop production systems for pollution remediation and renewable energy.
I am developing phytoremediation and other phytotechnologies for ecosystem recovery, remediation, and restoration along the urban to rural continuum
* Phyto-Recurrent Selection: A Method for Selecting Genotypes for Phytotechnologies
* Phytoremediation of Inorganic Contaminants
* Phytoremediation of Organic Contaminants
* Mitigating Nonpoint Source Pollution in the Great Lakes Basin
* Urban Phytotechnologies for Faster Greening and Stormwater Mitigation
* The DeValix Technique: Ecological Restoration Mats Designed for Phytotechnologies
* Salt Tolerance and Salinity Thresholds of Woody Energy Crops
* Biochar: A Sustainable Soil Amendment
* Reclaiming and Restoring Lands Degraded from Mining
* Freshkills: Landfill to Park Conversion
I am refining silvicultural methods to provide ecosystem services such as optimal biomass productivity of hybrid poplar and willow across variable site and climate conditions
* Carbon Implications of Poplar Energy Crops Throughout the Energy Supply Chain
* Water Use Efficiency of Poplar and Willow Grown for Biomass and Phytotechnologies
* Predicting and Mapping Biomass of Poplar Energy Crops
* Biofuels, Bioenergy, and Bioproducts from Short Rotation Woody Crops
* Optimizing Species Selection and Economic Performance of Woody Crops in the Southeastern, USA
* Economics of Poplar Production in Minnesota, USA
* Siting Poplar Biomass Systems to Increase Productivity and Ecosystem Services
* Technical Innovations to Enhance Energy Crop Production
* Adventitious Rooting and Early Establishment of Poplar Energy Crops
* Breeding and Selecting Poplar for Biofuels, Bioenergy, and Bioproducts
* Comprehensive Database of North American Poplar Research Published from 1989 to 2011
In addition to short rotation woody crops, I also study the impacts of changing climates on patterns of tree adaptation in northern coniferous forest ecosystems.
There is a need for long-term conifer management strategies that optimize ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration and feedstock production potential of plantations and natural forests. The success of such systems depends upon understanding the linkages among energy, climate, and tree genetics, which are vital for promoting biologically and economically sustainable reforestation, afforestation, and gene conservation.
I am evaluating the resiliency and adaptation potential of northern forest conifers to changing climates, specifically as they relate to growth and yield
* Effects of Climate Change on the Productivity and Ecological Genetics of White Pine
Why This Research is Important
Understanding the underlying genetic and physiological mechanisms regulating growth and development of short rotation woody crops supports effective deployment of favorable genotypes that helps: 1) reduce impacts from invasive species, 2) provide energy sources that do not contribute to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and global climate change, and 3) improve ecosystems along the urban to rural continuum through recovery, remediation, and restoration. Overall, the knowledge gained from my research helps growers and researchers increase the success of sustainable woody crop production systems, while providing essential ecosystem services such as clean water and healthy soils.
Education
- Iowa State University (McNabb Excellence Fellow), Ph.D. Forest Biology (Quantitative Genetics & Tree Improvement), 2003
- University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, B.S. Natural Resources & Environmental Studies (Forest Resources & Biometrics), 1999
Professional Experience
- Adjunct Professor, Visiting Scientist, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering 2020 - Current
- Adjunct Professor, University of Missouri, College of Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources 2020 - Current
- Supervisory Research Plant Geneticist, U.S. Forest Service, NRS-13, Rhinelander, WI 2017 - Current
- Adjunct Professor, USDA Collaborator, Iowa State University, Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management 2009 - Current
- Team Leader, Research Plant Geneticist, U.S. Forest Service, NRS-13, Rhinelander, WI 2008 - 2017
- Acting Project Leader, U.S. Forest Service, NRS-7, Rhinelander, WI 2014 - 2014
- Research Plant Geneticist, U.S. Forest Service, NRS-13, Rhinelander, WI 2003 - 2008
- McNabb Fellow (Graduate Research Assistant), Iowa State University, Ames, IA 1999 - 2003
- Forester, U.S. Forest Service, NRS-13, Rhinelander, WI 1999 - 2003
- Teaching Assistant, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 2001 - 2001
- Forestry Technician, U.S. Forest Service, NRS-13, Rhinelander, WI 1995 - 1999
- Undergraduate Research Assistant, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 1998 - 1998
Professional Organizations
- IUFRO Working Group 2.08.04 (Physiology and Genetics of Poplars and Willows)
Awards & Recognition
- Institute of Lowland Forestry & Environment, University of Novi Sad, Serbia, 2018 Collaboration and Partnership
- U.S. Forest Service Certificate of Merit Award, 2016 Phytoremediation
- U.S. Forest Service Certificate of Merit Award, 2015 Leadership
- U.S. Forest Service Certificate of Merit Award, 2007 Fiber Production and Bioenergy
- U.S. Forest Service Certificate of Merit Award, 2006 Environmental Remediation
- U.S. Forest Service Certificate of Merit Award, 1998 Safety
Featured Publications & Products
- Zalesny, Ronald S.; Berndes, Göran ; Dimitriou, Ioannis ; Fritsche, Uwe ; Miller, Constance ; Eisenbies, Mark ; Ghezehei, Solomon ; Hazel, Dennis ; Headlee, William L.; Mola‐Yudego, Blas ; Negri, M. Cristina; Nichols, Elizabeth Guthrie; Quinn, John ; Shifflett, Shawn Dayson; Therasme, Obste ; Volk, Timothy A.; Zumpf, Colleen R. 2019. Positive water linkages of producing short rotation poplars and willows for bioenergy and phytotechnologies. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Energy and Environment
- Zalesny, Ronald S.; Headlee, William L.; Gopalakrishnan, Gayathri ; Bauer, Edmund O.; Hall, Richard B.; Hazel, Dennis W.; Isebrands, Jud G.; Licht, Louis A.; Negri, M. Cristina; Nichols, Elizabeth Guthrie; Rockwood, Donald L.; Wiese, Adam H. 2019. Ecosystem services of poplar at long‐term phytoremediation sites in the Midwest and Southeast, United States. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Energy and Environment
- Pilipović, Andrej ; Zalesny, Ronald S.; Rončević, Srđan ; Nikolić, Nataša ; Orlović, Saša ; Beljin, Jelena ; Katanić, Marina. 2019. Growth, physiology, and phytoextraction potential of poplar and willow established in soils amended with heavy-metal contaminated, dredged river sediments. Journal of Environmental Management
- Pilipović, Andrej ; Zalesny, Ronald S.; Orlović, Saša ; Drekić, Milan ; Pekeč, Saša ; Katanić, Marina ; Poljaković-Pajnik, Leopold. 2020. Growth and physiological responses of three poplar clones grown on soils artificially contaminated with heavy metals, diesel fuel, and herbicides. International Journal of Phytoremediation
- Zalesny Jr., Ronald S.; Stanturf, John A.; Gardiner, Emile S.; Bañuelos, Gary S.; Hallett, Richard A.; Hass, Amir; Stange, Craig M.; Perdue, James H.; Young, Timothy M.; Coyle, David R.; Headlee, William L. 2016. Environmental technologies of woody crop production systems. BioEnergy Research
- Zalesny Jr., Ronald S.; Stanturf, John A.; Gardiner, Emile S.; Perdue, James H.; Young, Timothy M.; Coyle, David R.; Headlee, William L.; Ba??uelos, Gary S.; Hass, Amir. 2016. Ecosystem services of woody crop production systems. BioEnergy Research
- Zalesny, Jill A.; Zalesny, Ronald S., Jr.; Wiese, Adam H.; Sexton, Bart; Hall, Richard B. 2008. Sodium and chloride accumulation in leaf, woody, and root tissue of Populus after irrigation with landfill leachate. Environmental Pollution. 155: 72-80.
- Zalesny, Jill A.; Zalesny, Ronald S., Jr.; Wiese, Adam H.; Hall, Richard B. 2007. Choosing tree genotypes for phytoremediation of landfill leachate using phyto-recurrent selection. International Journal of Phytoremediation. 9: 513-530.
- Zalesny, Ronald S., Jr.; Wiese, Adam H.; Bauer, Edmund O.; Riemenschneider, Don E. 2006. Sapflow of hybrid poplar (Populus nigra L. x P. maximowiczii A. Henry 'NM6') during phytoremediation of landfill leachate. Biomass and Bioenergy. 30: 784-793.
- Zalesny, Ronald S., Jr.; Riemenschneider, Don E.; Hall, Richard B. 2005. Early rooting of dormant hardwood cuttings of Populus: analysis of quantitative genetics and genotype x environment interactions. Canadian Journal of Forest Research 35:918-929
Publications & Products
- Kolka, Randall K.; Haight, Robert G.; Chun, Chan Lan; Berens, Matthew J.; Rogers, Elizabeth R.; Vinhal, Ryan A.; Zalesny, Ronald S.; Nislow, Keith H.; Perry, Charles H.; Connolly, Stephanie J. 2022. Mercury sulfur initiative: suggested program of research for the Upper Great Lakes States. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-206. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station. 28p.
- Pilipović, Andrej ; Headlee, William L.; Zalesny, Ronald S.; Pekeč, Saša ; Bauer, Edmund O. 2022. Water use efficiency of poplars grown for biomass production in the Midwestern United States. GCB Bioenergy
- Vinhal, Ryan A.; Zalesny, Ronald S.; DeBauche, Brent S.; Rogers, Elizabeth R.; Pilipović, Andrej ; Soolanayakanahally, Raju Y.; Wiese, Adam H. 2022. Establishment of willows using the novel DeValix technique: ecological restoration mats designed for phytotechnologies. International Journal of Phytoremediation
- Zalesny, Ronald S.; Pilipović, Andrej. 2022. Growth and Development of Short-Rotation Woody Crops for Rural and Urban Applications. Forests
- Ghezehei, Solomon B.; Ewald, Alexander L.; Hazel, Dennis W.; Zalesny, Ronald S.; Nichols, Elizabeth Guthrie. 2021. Productivity and Profitability of Poplars on Fertile and Marginal Sandy Soils under Different Density and Fertilization Treatments. Forests
- Isebrands, J.G. ; Zalesny, R.S. 2021. Reflections on the contributions of Populus research at Rhinelander, Wisconsin, USA. Canadian Journal of Forest Research
- Meyer, Matthias; Tavares Wahren, Filipa; Weber, Norbert; Zalesny Jr., Ronald S.; Weih, Martin. 2021. Sustainable Biomass Value Chains Based on Poplar Plantations in European Rural Areas. BioEnergy Research
- Pilipović, Andrej ; Zalesny, Ronald S.; Rogers, Elizabeth R.; McMahon, Bernard G.; Nelson, Neil D.; Burken, Joel G.; Hallett, Richard A.; Lin, Chung-Ho. 2021. Establishment of Regional Phytoremediation Buffer Systems for Ecological Restoration in the Great Lakes Basin, USA. II. Forests
- Rogers, Elizabeth R.; Zalesny, Ronald S.; Benzel, Tracy ; Wiese, Adam H. 2021. Establishment of poplars in soils amended with fibercake residuals from paper and containerboard production. Agroforestry Systems
- Rogers, Elizabeth R.; Zalesny, Ronald S.; Lin, Chung-Ho. 2021. A systematic approach for prioritizing landfill pollutants based on toxicity: Applications and opportunities. Journal of Environmental Management
- Zalesny, Ronald S.; Casler, Michael D.; Hallett, Richard ; Lin, Chung-Ho ; Pilipovic, Andrej. 2021. Bioremediation and soils. In: Stanturf, John A.; Callaham, Mac A., eds. Soils and Landscape Restoration. London: Academic Press: 237-273. Chapter 9.
- Zalesny, Ronald S.; Pilipović, Andrej ; Rogers, Elizabeth R.; Burken, Joel G.; Hallett, Richard A.; Lin, Chung-Ho ; McMahon, Bernard G.; Nelson, Neil D.; Wiese, Adam H.; Bauer, Edmund O.; Buechel, Larry ; DeBauche, Brent S.; Peterson, Mike ; Seegers, Ray ; Vinhal, Ryan A. 2021. Establishment of Regional Phytoremediation Buffer Systems for Ecological Restoration in the Great Lakes Basin, USA. I. Genotype × Environment Interactions. Forests
- Ghezehei, Solomon B.; Wright, Jeff ; Zalesny, Ronald S.; Nichols, Elizabeth Guthrie; Hazel, Dennis W. 2020. Matching site-suitable poplars to rotation length for optimized productivity. Forest Ecology and Management
- Zalesny, Ronald S. ; Zhu, J. Y.; Headlee, William L.; Gleisner, Roland ; Pilipović, Andrej ; Acker, Joris Van; Bauer, Edmund O.; Birr, Bruce A.; Wiese, Adam H. 2020. Ecosystem services, physiology, and biofuels recalcitrance of poplars grown for landfill phytoremediation. Plants. 9(10): 1357. 26 p.
- Headlee, William L.; Zalesny, Ronald S. 2019. Allometric Relationships for Aboveground Woody Biomass Differ Among Hybrid Poplar Genomic Groups and Clones in the North-Central USA. BioEnergy Research
- Headlee, William L.; Zalesny, Ronald S.; Hall, Richard B. 2019. Coarse root biomass and architecture of hybrid aspen ‘Crandon' ( Populus alba L. × P. grandidenta Michx.) grown in an agroforestry system in central Iowa, USA . Journal of Sustainable Forestry
- Rogers, Elizabeth ; Zalesny, Ronald ; Hallett, Richard ; Headlee, William ; Wiese, Adam. 2019. Relationships among Root-Shoot Ratio, Early Growth, and Health of Hybrid Poplar and Willow Clones Grown in Different Landfill Soils. Forests
- Zalesny, Ronald S.; Bauer, Edmund O. 2019. Genotypic variability and stability of poplars and willows grown onnitrate-contaminated soils. International Journal of Phytoremediation
- Zalesny, Ronald S.; Stange, Craig M.; Birr, Bruce A. 2019. Survival, Height Growth, and Phytoextraction Potential of Hybrid Poplar and Russian Olive (Elaeagnus Angustifolia L.) Established on Soils Varying in Salinity in North Dakota, USA. Forests
- Zalesny, Ronald S.; Headlee, William L.; Soolanayakanahally, Raju Y.; Richardson, Jim. 2019. Short rotation woody crop production systems for ecosystem services and phytotechnologies. Special issue published in Forests. Basel, Switzerland: MDPI. 316 p.
- Chhin, Sophan ; Zalesny, Ronald S.; Parker, William C.; Brissette, John. 2018. Dendroclimatic analysis of white pine (Pinus strobus L.) using long-term provenance test sites across eastern North America. Forest Ecosystems
- Clifton-Brown, John ; Harfouche, Antoine ; Casler, Michael D.; Dylan Jones, Huw ; Macalpine, William J.; Murphy-Bokern, Donal ; Smart, Lawrence B.; Adler, Anneli ; Ashman, Chris ; Awty-Carroll, Danny ; Bastien, Catherine ; Bopper, Sebastian ; Botnari, Vasile ; Brancourt-Hulmel, Maryse ; Chen, Zhiyong ; Clark, Lindsay V; Cosentino, Salvatore ; Dalton, Sue ; Davey, Chris ; Dolstra, Oene ; Donnison, Iain ; Flavell, Richard ; Greef, Joerg ; Hanley, Steve ; Hastings, Astley ; Hertzberg, Magnus ; Hsu, Tsai-Wen ; Huang, Lin S.; Iurato, Antonella ; Jensen, Elaine ; Jin, Xiaoli ; Jørgensen, Uffe ; Kiesel, Andreas ; Kim, Do-Soon ; Liu, Jianxiu ; McCalmont, Jon P.; McMahon, Bernard G.; Mos, Michal ; Robson, Paul ; Sacks, Erik J.; Sandu, Anatolii ; Scalici, Giovanni ; Schwarz, Kai ; Scordia, Danilo ; Shafiei, Reza ; Shield, Ian ; Slavov, Gancho ; Stanton, Brian J.; Swaminathan, Kankshita ; Taylor, Gail ; Torres, Andres F.; Trindade, Luisa M.; Tschaplinski, Timothy ; Tuskan, Gerald A.; Yamada, Toshihiko ; Yeon Yu, Chang ; Zalesny, Ronald S.; Zong, Junqin ; Lewandowski, Iris. 2018. Breeding progress and preparedness for mass-scale deployment of perennial lignocellulosic biomass crops switchgrass, miscanthus, willow and poplar. GCB Bioenergy
- Gardiner, Emile ; Ghezehei, Solomon ; Headlee, William ; Richardson, Jim ; Soolanayakanahally, Raju ; Stanton, Brian ; Zalesny Jr., Ronald. 2018. The 2018 Woody Crops International Conference, Rhinelander, Wisconsin, USA, 22-27 July 2018. Forests
- Lazarus, William; Headlee, William L.; Zalesny, Ronald S. 2015. Impacts of supplyshed-level differences in productivity and land Costs on the economics of hybrid poplar production in Minnesota, USA. BioEnergy Research. 8(1): 231-248.
- Mirck, Jaconette; Zalesny, Ronald S. 2015. Mini-review of knowledge gaps in salt tolerance of plants applied to willows and poplars. International Journal of Phytoremediation. 17(7): 640-650.
- Zalesny, Ronald S.; Headlee, William L. 2015. Developing woody crops for the enhancement of ecosystem services under changing climates in the north central United States. Journal of Forest and Environmental Science. 31(2): 78-90.
- Zhang, Jingzhi; Gu, Feng; Zhu, J.Y.; Zalesny Jr., Ronald S. 2015. Using a combined hydrolysis factor to optimize high titer ethanol production from sulfite-pretreated poplar without detoxification. Bioresource Technology. 186: 223-231.
- Zalesny, Ronald S.; Hallett, Richard A.; Falxa-Raymond, Nancy; Wiese, Adam H.; Birr, Bruce A. 2014. Propagating native Salicaceae for afforestation and restoration in New York City's five boroughs. Native Plants Journal. 15(a):29-41.
- Headlee, William L.; Hall, Richard B.; Zalesny, Ronald S., Jr. 2013. Establishment of alleycropped hybrid aspen "Crandon" in central Iowa, USA: effects of topographic position and fertilizer rate on above ground biomass production and allocation. Sustainability. 5: 2874-2886.
- Headlee, William L.; Zalesny, Ronald S. Jr.; Donner, Deahn M.; Hall, Richard B. 2013. Using a process-based model (3-PG) to predict and map hybrid poplar biomass productivity in Minnesota and Wisconsin, USA. BioEnergy Research. 6: 196-210.
- Headlee, William L.; Zalesny, Ronald S. Jr.; Hall, Richard B.; Bauer, Edmund O.; Bender, Bradford; Birr, Bruce A.; Miller, Raymond O.; Randall, Jesse A.; Wiese, Adam H. 2013. Specific gravity of hybrid poplars in the north-central region, USA: within-tree variability and site × genotype effects. Forests. 4: 251-269.
- Zalesny, Ronald S.; Coyle, David R. 2013. Short rotation Populus: a bibliography of North American literature, 1989-2011. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-110. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station. 103 p.
- Wang, Z.J.; Zhu, J.Y.; Zalesny, Ronald S. Jr.; Chen, K.F. 2012. Ethanol production from poplar wood through enzymatic saccharification and fermentation by dilute acid and SPORL pretreatments. Fuel. Vol. 95 (May 2012): p. 606-614.
- Zalesny, Ronald S.; Donner, Deahn M.; Coyle, David R.; Headlee, William L. 2012. An approach for siting poplar energy production systems to increase productivity and associated ecosystem services. Forest Ecology and Management. 284: 45-58.
- Assibi Mahama, A. ; Hall, Richard ; Zalesny, Ronald. 2011. Differential interspecific incompatibility among Populus hybrids in sections Aigeiros Duby and Tacamahaca Spach . The Forestry Chronicle
- Coyle, David R.; Zalesny, Jill A.; Zalesny Jr., Ronald S.; Wiese, Adam H. 2011. Irrigating poplar energy crops with landfill leachate negatively affects soil micro- and meso-fauna. International Journal of Phytoremediation. 13: 845-858.
- Evett, Steven R.; Zalesny Jr., Ronald S.; Kandil, Nabil F.; Stanturf, John A.; Soriano, Christopher. 2011. Opportunities for woody crop production using treated wastewater in Egypt. II. Irrigation strategies. International Journal of Phytoremediation 13(S1): 122-139.
- Lazarus, William F.; Tiffany, Douglas G.; Zalesny Jr., Ronald S.; Riemenschneider, Don E. 2011. Economic impacts of short-rotation woody crops for energy or oriented strand board: a Minnesota case study. Journal of Forestry. 109: 149-156.
- Padley, Eunice A.; Donner, Deahn M.; Fassnacht, Karin S.; Zalesny, Ronald S.; Birr, Bruce; Martin, Karl J. 2011. Managing carbon sequestration and storage in northern hardwood forests. In: Challenges of managing for early successional forests and associated species. SE and SW chapters of The Wisconsin Society of American Foresters & The Wisconsin Chapter of the Wildlife Society; 2011 March 1-3; Wisconsin Dells, WI: 37. Poster abstract.
- Zalesny Jr., R.S., Jr.; Cunningham, M.W.; Hall, R.B.; Mirck, J.; Rockwood, D.L.; Stanturf, J.A.; Volk, T.A. 2011. Woody biomass from short rotation energy crops. Chapter 2. In: Zhu, J.Y.; Zhang, X.; Pan, X., eds. Sustainable production of fuels, chemicals, and fibers from forest biomass. Washington, DC: ACS Symposium Series; American Chemical Society: 27-63.
- Zalesny Jr., Ronald S.; Stanturf, John A.; Evett, Steven R.; Kandil, Nabil F.; Soriano, Christopher. 2011. Opportunities for woody crop production using treated wastewater in Egypt. I. Afforestation strategies. International Journal of Phytoremediation. 13(S1): 102-121.
- Zalesny, R. S.; Zalesny, J. A. 2011. Clonal Variation in Lateral and Basal Rooting of Populus Irrigated with Landfill Leachate. Silvae Genetica
- Coyle, David R.; Zalesny, Jill A.; Zalesny, Ronald S. Jr. 2010. A comprehensive database of poplar research in North America from 1980 - 2010. In: Fifth International poplar symposium: Poplars and willows: from research models to multipurpose trees for a biobased society; 2010 September 20-25; Orvieto, Italy. IUFRO: 213.
- Donner, Deahn; Zalesny, Ron. 2010. Potential Land-use changes with Woody Energy Corp Production in Wisconsin and Minnesota. In: US-IALE 25th annual landscape ecology symposium. Is what humans do natural; 2010 April 5-9; Athens, GA.: 51. Abstract.
- Headlee, W.L.; Hall, R.B.; Zalesny, R.S. Jr. 2010. Aspen-triticale alleycropping system: effects of landscape position and fertilizer rate. In: Fifth international poplar symposium: Poplars and willows: from research models to multipurpose trees for a biobased society; 2010 September 20-25; Orvieto, Italy. IUFRO: 129.
- Vance, Eric D.; Maguire, Douglas A.; Zalesny, Ronald S. Jr. 2010. Research strategies for increasing productivity of intensively managed forest plantations. Journal of Forestry. 108: 183-192 .
- Zalesny Jr., R.S.; Zalesny, Jill. 2010. Using phytotechnologies to remediate brownfields, landfills, and other urban areas. Cities and the Environment Journal. 3(1): poster 25.
- Zalesny, R.S. Jr.; Donner, D.M.; Coyle, D.R.; Headlee, W.L.; Hall, R.B. 2010. An approach for siting poplar energy production systems to increase productivity and associated ecosystem services. In: Fifth international poplar symposium: Poplars and willows: from research models to multipurpose trees for a biobased society; 2010 September 20-25; Orvieto, Italy. IUFRO: 110.
- Zalesny, R.S. Jr.; Headlee, W.L.; Hall, R.B.; Coyle, D.R. 2010. Carbon sequestration potential of poplar energy crops in the Midwest, USA. In: Fifth International Poplar Symposium: Poplars and willows: from research models to multipurpose trees for a biobased society; 2010 September 20-25; Orvieto, Italy. IUFRO: 185.
- Zalesny, Ronald S. Jr.; Zalesny, Jill A. 2010. Phyto-recurrent selection: a method for selecting Populus and Salix genotypes for environmental applications. In: International poplar commission environmental applications of poplar and willow working party workshop; 2010 September 17-18; Rome, Italy. Montelibretti, Italy: Institute of Agro-environment and Forest Biology.
- Zalesny, Ronald S. Jr.; Zalesny, Jill A. 2010. Using phytotechnologies to remediate brownfields, landfills, and other urban areas. In: MillionTrees NYC, green infrastructure, and urban ecology: A research symposium; 2010 March 5-6; research abstracts. Million Trees NYC. New York.
- Zhu, J.Y.; Pan, Xuejun; Zalesny, Ronald S. Jr. 2010. Pretreatment of woody biomass for biofuel production: energy efficiency, technologies, and recalcitrance. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology. 87: 847-857.
- Mirck, Jaconette; Zalesny, Ronald S. Jr.; Dimitriou, Ioannis; Zalesny, Jill A.; Volk, Timothy A.; Mabee, Warren E. 2009. The use of short rotation willows and poplars for the recycling of saline waste waters. In: Sixth international phytotechnologies conference; 2009 December 2-4; St. Louis, MO. International Phytotechnology Society: 68.
- Zalesny, Jill A.; Coyle, David R.; Zalesny, Ronald S. Jr.; Wiese, Adam H. 2009. Effects of irrigating poplar energy crops with landfill leachate on soil micro- and meso-fauna. In: Sixth International Phytotechnologies Conference; 2009 December 2-4; St. Louis, MO. International Phytotechnology Society: 182.
- Zalesny, Jill A.; Zalesny, Ronald S. 2009. Chloride and sodium uptake potential over an entire rotation of Populus irrigated with landfill leachate. International Journal of Phytoremediation
- Zalesny, Jill A.; Zalesny, Ronald S., Jr.; Coyle, David R.; Hall, Richard B.; Bauer, Edmund O. 2009. Clonal variation in morphology of Populus root systems following irrigation with landfill leachate or water during 2 years of establishment. BioEnergy Research. 2: 134-143.
- Zalesny, Ronald S. Jr. 2009. Integrating phytotechnologies with energy crop production for biofuels, bioenergy, and bioproducts. In: Sixth International Phytotechnologies Conference; 2009 December 2-4; St. Louis, MO. International Phytotechnology Society: 70.
- Zalesny, Ronald S. Jr.; Evett, Steven R.; Kandil, Nabil F.; Soriano, Chris; Stanturf, John A. 2009. Opportunities for woody crop production using treated wastewater in Egypt. In: Sixth International Phytotechnologies Conference; 2009 December 2-4; St. Louis, MO. International Phytotechnology Society: 60.
- Zalesny, Ronald S. Jr.; Wiese, Adam H.; Bauer, Edmund O.; Riemenschneider, Donald E. 2009. Ex situ growth and biomass of Populus bioenergy crops irrigated and fertilized with landfill leachate. Biomass and Bioenergy. 33: 62-69.
- Zalesny, Ronald S., Jr.; Zalesny, Jill A. 2009. Selecting Populus with different adventitious root types for environmental benefits, fiber, and energy. In: Niemi, K.; Seagel, C.; eds. Adventitious root formation of forest trees and horticultural plants - from genes to applications. Chapter 18. Research Signpost: 359-384.
- Zalesny, Ronald S.; Hall, Richard B.; Zalesny, Jill A.; McMahon, Bernard G.; Berguson, William E.; Stanosz, Glen R. 2009. Biomass and Genotype × Environment Interactions of Populus Energy Crops in the Midwestern United States. BioEnergy Research
- Kodrzycki, R.J.; Michaels, R.B.; Friend, A.L.; Zalesny, R.S.; Mawata, Ch.P.; McDonald, D.W. 2008. Non-destructive digital imaging in poplar allows detailed analysis of adventitious rooting dynamics. In: 5th international symposium on adventitious root formation: from cell fate flexibility to root meristem determination and biomass formation; 2008 June 16-20; Madrid, Spain. [Place of publication unknown]; [Publisher name unknown]: 33-34.
- Zalesny, Jill A.; Zalesny, Ronald S., Jr. 2008. Potential chloride and sodium uptake for 2- to 11-year-old populus irrigated with landfill leachate in the north central United States. In: Zalesny, Ronald S., Jr.; Mitchell, Rob; Richardson, Jim, eds. Biofuels, bioenergy, and bioproducts from sustainable agricultural and forest crops: proceedings of the short rotation crops international conference; 2008 August 19-20; Bloomington, MN. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-31. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 71.
- Zalesny, Jill A.; Zalesny, Ronald S., Jr.; Coyle, David R.; Hall, Richard B.; Bauer, Edmund O. 2008. Populus root system morphology during phytoremediation of landfill leachate. In: Zalesny, Ronald S., Jr.; Mitchell, Rob; Richardson, Jim, eds. Biofuels, bioenergy, and bioproducts from sustainable agricultural and forest crops: proceedings of the short rotation crops international conference; 2008 August 19-20; Bloomington, MN. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-31. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 70.
- Zalesny, Jill A.; Zalesny, Ronald S.; Wiese, Adam H.; Sexton, Bart T.; Hall, Richard B. 2008. Uptake of Macro- and Micro-Nutrients into Leaf, Woody, and Root Tissue of Populus after Irrigation with Landfill Leachate . Journal of Sustainable Forestry
- Zalesny, Ronald S., Jr.; Hall, Richard B.; Zalesny, Jill A.; Berguson, William E.; McMahon, Bernard G.; Stanosz, Glen R. 2008. Biomass potential of populus in the midwestern United States. In: Zalesny, Ronald S., Jr.; Mitchell, Rob; Richardson, Jim, eds. Biofuels, bioenergy, and bioproducts from sustainable agricultural and forest crops: proceedings of the short rotation crops international conference; 2008 August 19-20; Bloomington, MN. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-31. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 72.
- Zalesny, Ronald S., Jr.; Mitchell, Rob; Richardson, Jim, eds. 2008. Biofuels, bioenergy, and bioproducts from sustainable agricultural and forest crops: proceedings of the short rotation crops international conference. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-31. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station. 76 p.
- Zalesny, Ronald S., Jr.; Zalesny, Jill A. 2008. Variation in lateral and basal adventitious rooting of populus irrigated with landfill leachate: selection of favorable genotypes for environmental benefits. In: Zalesny, Ronald S., Jr.; Mitchell, Rob; Richardson, Jim, eds. Biofuels, bioenergy, and bioproducts from sustainable agricultural and forest crops: proceedings of the short rotation crops international conference; 2008 August 19-20; Bloomington, MN. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-31. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 73.
- Mahama, A. Assibi; Zalesny, Ronald S., Jr.; Hall, R.B. 2007. Breeding success and range of incompatibility among Populus hybrids in sections Aigeiros Duby and Tacamahaca Spach. In: 2007 annual meeting of the Poplar Council of Canada: Poplar culture: a collaborative effort from clone to mill; 2007 September 16-21; Quebec City, Quebec. [Place of publication unknown]:[Publisher unknown]: 23.
- Zalesny, Jill A.; Zalesny, Ronald S., Jr.; Coyle, D.R.; Hall, R.B. 2007. Leaf, woody, and root biomass of Populus irrigated with landfill leachate. In: Annual meeting of the poplar council of Canada: Poplar culture: a collaborative effort from clone to mill; 2007 September 16-21; Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. [Place of publication unknown]:[Publisher unknown]: 69.
- Zalesny, Jill A.; Zalesny, Ronald S., Jr.; Coyle, David R.; Hall, Richard B. 2007. Growth and biomass of Populus irrigated with landfill leachate. Forest Ecology and Management. 248: 143-152.
- Zalesny, Jill A.; Zalesny, Ronald S., Jr.; Wiese, A.H.; Sexton, B.; Hall, R.B. 2007. Sodium and chloride concentration in leaf, woody, and root tissue of Populus irrigated with landfill leachate. In: Annual meeting of the poplar council of Canada: Poplar culture: a collaborative effort from clone to mill; 2007 September 16-21; Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. [Place of publication unknown]:[Publisher unknown]:71.
- Zalesny, Jill A.; Zalesny, Ronald S., Jr.; Wiese, Adam H.; Sexton, Bart T.; Hall, Richard B. 2007. Phytoaccumulation of sodium and chloride into leaf, woody, and root tissue of Populus irrigated with landfill leachate. In: Fourth international phytotechnology conference; 2007 September 24-26; Denver, CO. [Place of publication unknown]:[Publisher unknown]: 39.
- Zalesny, Jill A.; Zalesny, Ronald S., Jr.; Wiese, Adam H.; Sexton, Bart T.; Hall, Richard B. 2007. Macro- and micro-nutrient concentration in leaf, woody, and root tissue of Populus irrigated with landfill leachate. In: Fourth international phytotechnology conference; 2007 September 24-26; Denver, CO. [Place of publication unknown]:[Publisher unknown]: 146.
- Zalesny, Ronald S., Jr.; Bauer, Edmund O. 2007. Selecting and utilizing Populus and Salix for landfill covers: implications for leachate irrigation. International Journal of Phytoremediation. 9: 497-511.
- Zalesny, Ronald S., Jr.; Bauer, Edmund O. 2007. Evaluation of Populus and Salix continuously irrigated with landfill leachate II. Soils and early tree development. International Journal of Phytoremediation. 9: 307-323.
- Zalesny, Ronald S., Jr.; Friend, A. L.; Kodrzycki, B.; McDonald, D.W.; Michaels, R.; Wiese, A.H.; Powers, J.W. 2007. Using low energy x-ray radiography to evaluate root initiation and growth of Populus. In: Annual meeting of the poplar council of Canada: Poplar culture: a collaborative effort from clone to mill; 2007 September 16-21; Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. [Place of publication unknown]:[Publisher unknown]:73.
- Zalesny, Ronald S., Jr.; Wiese, Adam H.; Bauer, Edmund O.; Headlee, William L., Jr.; Hall, Richard B.; Mahama, A. Assibi; Zalesny, Jill A. 2007. An inexpensive and reliable monitoring station design for use with lightweight, compact data loggers. Tree Planters' Notes. 52(1): 32-35.
- Zalesny, Ronald S., Jr.; Wiese, Adam H.; Bauer, Edmund O.; Zalesny, Jill A. 2007. Establishment and early growth of Populus hybrids irrigated with landfill leachate. In: Fourth international phytotechnology conference; 2007 September 24-26; Denver, CO. [Place of publication unknown]:[Publisher unknown]:147.
- Zalesny, Ronald S., Jr.; Zalesny, Jill A.; Bauer, Edmund O. 2007. Ecological sustainability of alternative biomass feedstock production for environmental benefits and bioenergy. In: Annual meeting of the poplar council of Canada: Poplar culture: a collaborative effort from clone to mill; 2007 September 16-21; Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. [Place of publication unknown]:[Publisher unknown]:62.
- Zalesny, Ronald S.; Bauer, Edmund O. 2007. Evaluation of Populus and Salix Continuously Irrigated with Landfill Leachate I. Genotype-Specific Elemental Phytoremediation . International Journal of Phytoremediation
- Coleman, Mark; Zalesny, Ronald S., Jr. 2006. Annotated bibliography on phytoremediation. Wildlife Habitat Council Land Restoration. Posted May 1, 2006 at http://www.wildlifehc.org/brownfield_restoration/Technical_Info.cfm. 21 p.
- Mahama, A. Assibi; Sparks, Brian; Zalesny, Ronald S.,; Hall, Richard B. 2006. Successful grafting in poplar species (Populus spp.) breeding. In: In: Seventh biennial conference of the short rotation woody crops operations working group: short rotation woody crop production systems for wood products, bioenergy and environmental services; 2006 September 25-28; Pasco, WA. [Place of publication unknown]:[Publisher unknown]: 22.
- Mahama, A. Assibi; Zalesny, Ronald S., Jr.; Hall, Richard B. 2006. Differential interspecific incompatibility in Populus breeding. In: Seventh biennial conference of the short rotation woody crops operations working group: short rotation woody crop production systems for wood products, bioenergy and environmental services; 2006 September 25-28; Pasco, WA. [Place of publication unknown]:[Publisher unknown]: 23.
- Wiese, A.H.; Zalesny, J.A.; Donner, D.M.; Zalesny, Ronald S., Jr. 2006. Bud removal affects shoot, root, and callus development of hardwood Populus cuttings. Silvae Genetica. 55: 141-148.
- Wiese, Adam H.; Netzer, Daniel A.; Riemenschneider, Don E.; Zalesny, Ronald S., Jr. 2006. A weed compaction roller system for use with mechanical herbicide application. Northern Journal of Applied Forestry. 23: 66-69.
- Wiese, Adam H.; Zalesny, Ronald S., Jr. 2006. Unique technical innovations for short rotation woody crops research and development. In: Seventh biennial conference of the short rotation woody crops operations working group: short rotation woody crop production systems for wood products, bioenergy and environmental services; 2006 September 25-28; Pasco, WA. [Place of publication unknown]:[Publisher unknown]: 50.
- Zalesny, Jill A.; Zalesny, Ronald S., Jr.; Wiese, Adam H.; Hall, Richard B. 2006. Using phyto-recurrent selection to choose Populus genotypes for phytoremediation of landfill leachate. In: Seventh biennial conference of the short rotation woody crops operations working group: short rotation woody crop production systems for wood products, bioenergy and environmental services; 2006 September 25-28; Pasco, WA: 51.
- Zalesny, Jill A.; Zalesny, Ronald S., Jr.; Wiese, Adam H.; Hall, Richard B.; Sexton, Bart. 2006. Phytoremediation of landfill leachate using Populus. In: Seventh biennial conference of the short rotation woody crops operations working group: short rotation woody crop production systems for wood products, bioenergy and environmental services; 2006 September 25-28; Pasco, WA: 52.
- Zalesny, R. S., Jr.; Wiese, A.H. 2006. Date of shoot collection, genotype, and original shoot position affect early rooting of dormant hardwood cuttings of Populus. Silvae Genetica. 55: 169-182.
- Zalesny, Ronald S., Jr. 2006. Genetic and environmental factors affecting early rooting of six Populus genomic groups: implications for tree improvement. In: Seventh biennial conference of the short rotation woody crops operations working group: short rotation woody crop production systems for wood products, bioenergy and environmental services; 2006 September 25-28; Pasco, WA: 53.
- Zalesny, Ronald S., Jr.; Bauer, Edmund O. 2006. Phyto-recurrent selection: a tree improvement strategy for selecting genotypes used in phytoremediation. In: Seventh biennial conference of the short rotation woody crops operations working group: short rotation woody crop production systems for wood products, bioenergy and environmental services; 2006 September 25-28; Pasco, WA: 54.
- Zalesny, Ronald, Jr.; Riemenschneider, Don. 2006. Using short rotation woody crops for bioenergy in North America. New England Society of American Foresters News Quarterly. 67: 10-11.
- Wiese, Adam H.; Riemenschneider, Don E.; Zalesny, Ronald S., Jr. 2005. An inexpensive rhizotron design for two-dimensional, horizontal root growth measurements. Tree Planters' Notes. 51: 40-46.
- Zalesny, R.S., Jr.; Hall, R.B.; Bauer, E.O.; Riemenschneider, D.E. 2005. Soil temperature and precipitation affect the rooting ability of dormant hardwood cuttings of Populus. Silvae Genetica. 54: 47-58.
- Zalesny, Ronald S., Jr.; Bauer, Edmund O.; Hall, Richard B.; Zalesny, Jill A.; Kunzman, Joshua; Rog, Chris J.; Riemenschneider, Don E. 2005. Clonal variation in survival and growth of hybrid poplar and willow in an in situ trial on soils heavily contaminated with petroleum hydrocarbons. International Journal of Phytoremediation. 7: 177-197.
- Zalesny, R.S., Jr.; Bauer, E.O.; Riemenschneider, D.E. 2004. Use of belowground growing degree days to predict rooting of dormant hardwood cuttings of Populus. Silvae Genetica. 53: 154-160.
- Zalesny, Ronald S., Jr. 2004. Hybrid poplars: fast-growing, disease-resistant species has multiple uses. Tree Farmer. November/December: 40-42.
- Zalesny, Ronald S., Jr.; Wiese, Adam H.; Bauer, Edmund O.; Riemenschneider, Don E.; Sexton, Bart. 2004. Water usage and establishment success of Populus during phytoremediation of landfill effluent. In: Fifth biennial conference of the short rotation woody crops operations working group/IEA Bioenergy (Task 30)/IUFRO Working Unit 1.09.01: Biomass and bioenergy production for economic and environmental benefits; 2004 November 7-10; Charleston, SC. [Place of publication unknown] [Publisher unknown]: 71. [Abstract].
- Zalesny, R.S., Jr.; Hall, R.B.; Bauer, E.O.; Riemenschneider, D.E. 2003. Shoot position affects root initiation and growth of dormant unrooted cuttings of Populus. Silvae Genetica. 52: 273-279.
- Zalesny, Ronald S., Jr.; Riemenschneider, Don E.; Hall, Richard B. 2002. Evaluating hybrid poplar rooting. I. genotype x environment interactions in three contrasting sites. In: Fourth biennial meeting of the short rotation woody crops operations working group; 2002 September 14-17; Alexandria, MN. [Place of publication unknown]:[Publisher unknown]: 14. [Abstract].
- Zalesny, Ronald S., Jr.; Riemenschneider, Don E.; Hall, Richard B. 2002. Evaluating hybrid poplar rooting. II. backcross breeding method exhibits exceptional promise. In: Fourth biennial meeting of the short rotation woody crops operations working group; 2002 September 14-17; Alexandria, MN. [Place of publication unknown]:[Publisher unknown]: 15. [Abstract].
- Zalesny, Ronald S., Jr.; Riemenschneider, Don; Bauer, Edmund. 2000. Analysis of genetic and environmental effects on hybrid poplar rooting in Central and Northern Minnesota, USA. In: Isebrands, J.G.; Richardson, J., comps. 21st session of the international poplar commission (IPC 2000): poplar and willow culture: meeting the needs of society and the environment; 2000 September 24-28; Vancouver, WA. Gen. Tech. Rep. NC-215. St. Paul, MN; U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, North Central Research Station: 211.[Abstract].
Research Datasets
- Headlee, William L.; Lietz, Sue M.; Baumann, Tina M.; Zalesny, Ronald S. Jr.; Donner, Deahn M.; Coyle, David R. 2016. Final spatial and tabular poplar biomass estimates for Minnesota and Wisconsin, USA based on the approach for siting poplar energy production systems to increase productivity and associated ecosystem services. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2016-0030.
- Headlee, William L.; Lietz, Sue M.; Baumann, Tina M.; Zalesny, Ronald S. Jr.; Donner, Deahn M.; Hall, Richard B. 2016. Final spatial and tabular data from a process-based model (3-PG) used to predict and map hybrid poplar biomass productivity in Minnesota and Wisconsin, USA. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2016-0029.
National Research Highlights
Scientists use plants to restore ecosystem health in the Great Lakes Basin
Year: 2017
A project funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is greatly expanding the knowledge base of watershed-level benefits of phytoremediation: the direct use of living green plants for site remediation. The project includes projecting and measuring the volume of untreated urban runoff captured or treated at these sites.
Ecosystem Services and Environmental Technologies of Woody Crop Production Systems
Year: 2016
Long-term research led by Forest Service scientists show that short rotation woody crops such as poplar and willow can be grown to enhance ecosystem services when grown specifically for biomass production as well as environmental technologies such as phytoremediation and urban afforestation. These outcomes are described as part of a comprehensive special issue in the scientific journal BioEnergy Research that details recent and ongoing activities of the Forest Service and Agricultural Research Service at U.S. Department of Agriculture Biomass Research Centers to develop technologies for providing biofuels, bioenergy, and bioproducts.
Production Costs of Poplar Energy Crops in the Great Lake States
Year: 2014
Short-rotation woody crops have historically been used as feedstocks for energy and fiber, yet their relevance for environmental remediation technologies is becoming equally prominent. Regardless of their end use, knowing the costs associated with producing these crops is essential for maximizing the suite of ecosystem services the trees provide. Northern Research Station scientists developed the first-ever set of enterprise budgets detailing costs of these crops in the Lake States.
Scholars Program Welcomes Youth into the World of Nature
Year: 2012
Alleviating nature deficit disorder in the youth of Wisconsin's Northwoods
Biomass Potential of Poplar Energy Crops in Minnesota and Wisconsin Assessed
Year: 2012
Scientists develop methods to map sites for poplar tree energy crops to enhance productivity and ecosystem services
Environmental and Economic Benefits of Short-Rotation Poplar Energy Crops
Year: 2011
Woody production systems and conversion technologies help maintain healthy forests and ecosystems, create high-paying manufacturing jobs, and meet local/regional energy demands. Poplars are dedicated energy crops that also conserve soil and water, recycle nutrients, and sequester carbon.