Design and development of agroforestry systems for Illinois, USA: silvicultural and economic considerations

Abstract

Recommended managerial inputs and associated outputs expected from practicing agroforestry on marginal farm lands in the central USA are discussed. Modeled management combinations are based on five timber species, three s~te indices, three timber growth rates, five agricultural crops, all common crop rotations, and three tillage systems. Black walnut (Juglans nigra L.), combined with row crop production, is used to illustrate a specific multicropping alternative. Based on net present value, modeled agroforestry systems incorporating black walnut performed better on the better sites and at the medium to high timber growth rates whereas management systems using red oak (Quercus rubra L.) with row crops performed better on the poorer sites and at the lower growth rates. For agroforestry to be competitive with traditional agriculture, medium to high timber growth rates were necessary. Also, lower interest rates and the existing U.S. income tax structure favored agroforestry versus traditional agriculture. Substantial increases in net income may be possible through incorporating other income producing activities such as nut production within the agroforestry system.

Agroforestry—The Next Step in Sustainable and Resilient Agriculture

“…Alley cropping involves growing field crops between rows of trees [72]. The trees can be grown for timber or fruits and nuts, while the alley crops can include a variety of grains, vegetables, or forages cut for hay.…”

Cumulative Forage Production, Forage Quality and Livestock Performance from an Annual Ryegrass and Cereal Rye Mixture in a Pine Walnut Silvopasture

“…The results presented are the sole responsibility of the authors and/or the University of Missouri and may not represent the policies or positions of the ARS or EPA. nomic analyses conducted by Kurtz et al (1984), Dwyer et al (1990), Campbell et al (1991), and Kurtz (2000) have demonstrated that well-planned forestry systems can provide an above-average long-term return on investment. Even though the conversion of pastures to planned forestry systems could have long-term economic benefits for producers, many landowners feel that it is economically difficult for them to make the change.…”

Influence of initial spacing and row‐to‐row distance on the growth and yield of silver birch(betula pendula)

“…There are also numerous row-planting trials concerning agroforestry systems (e.g. Budiantho 1989, Rawat 1991, Campbell et al 1991. Only a few studies of spacing or rowplanting of birchwoods have been done and most of them are from shelterbelt trials in USA or Russia (George 1948, Hogg 1965, Torokhtun 1981, Stadnik 1982, Rakov 1990.…”