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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #144097
Title: TREE ESTABLISHMENT FOR A TEMPERATE AGRO-FOREST IN CENTRAL APPALACHIA, USA.

Author
item Feldhake, Charles
item SCHUMANN, CAROL - FORMER USDA-ARS EMPLOYEE

Submitted to: Agroforestry Systems
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/8/2005
Publication Date: 12/1/2005
Citation: Feldhake, C.M., Schumann, C.M. 2005. Tree establishment for a temperate agro-forest in central Appalachia, USA. Agroforestry Systems. 65:187-195.

Interpretive Summary: Small farms in hilly Appalachian locations provide very limited income opportunities for owners. These farms frequently have a substantial part of their lower-productivity acreage in forest which provides little if any annual income. We developed and implemented a management plan for producing income from a forest site that had been harvested as a clear-cut. The plan involves producing nuts, fruit, and holiday trees while the new forest regenerates. We determined the effects of site characteristics and management on growth and survival during the first 4 years after planting. The results indicate there are different effects on growth and survival for different tree species with site characteristics most important for some species and management for others, thus, farmers need to pay close attention to species selection and placement. This work is useful because it has promise to help increase small hill-land farm income as well as diversify income source. This type of forest regeneration system will increase the usefulness of marginal land in a sustainable manner. Increasing the economic gain from underutilized acreage will enhance rural economies thus strengthening rural communities. Diversifying forest production systems will provide raw materials for value-added enterprises in a way that is ecologically sound and environmentally benign.

Technical Abstract: Small farms in Appalachia are challenged economically due to complex topography and soil constraints that limit productivity. Most farms have considerable acreage in forest, some of which is on the least productive sites, which contributes little income. The purpose of this study was to determine management and microclimate impacts on the establishment of an agro-forest for increasing the economic value of the forested land resource. A 1.2 ha forest clear-cut was planted with red oak (Quercus rubra) as the desired mature forest species alternated with rows of Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima), paw paw (Asimina triloba), hazelnut (Corylus americana), and white pine (Pinus strobus) for generating income as the forest matures. Red oak and chestnut required protection from deer. Red oak had the lowest survival rate (61%) and chestnut had the highest survival rate (94%). While providing protection, Tubex plastic tubes also resulted in spindly tree growth. Plastic tubes did, however, improve paw paw survival. Red Oak did best on well-drained locations. Chestnut and hazelnut were negatively impacted by forest edge more than red oak or paw paw. Overall there was a high degree of variability in tree growth suggesting that on low productivity sites, a planting density substantially higher than the desired final stand may be warranted to optimize the tree-vigor/micro-site match.