The growth and biomass production by willow (Salix viminalis L.) was studied in lysimeters containing Oxford clay landfill cap soil with different amendments, bulk densities and watering regimes. Three years from planting, stem biomass in well-watered plants was least (0.28 kg plant(-1)) with high bulk density soil (1480 kg m(-3)) and no nutritional amendment but was increased 10-fold (2.53 kg plant(-1)) by reducing soil bulk density (1200 kg m(3)) and adding amendments. In comparison.. on a sandy loam soil it was 6.23 kg plant(-1). There were similar differences in number of stems plant(-1), stem basal area plant(-1) and plant leaf area which can be attributed to low nitrogen and phosphorus levels in Oxford clay. Water stress reduced stem biomass production by 26-37% and caused higher root:stem ratios. These were also higher on Oxford clay than on the sandy loam. Successful biomass production from willow on Oxford clay landfill caps will therefore require nutritional amendment. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.