Agroforestry Field at Arbor Day Farm
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| An effective agroforestry technique,
alley cropping works by growing crops in the alleys between
strips of trees or shrubs. The result is better erosion control,
improved crop production, supplemental income, and more habitat
and travel corridors for wildlife. |
Located just west of Lied Lodge and Conference Center, the Agroforestry
Field demonstrates some of the most effective conservation practices
available. This attractive, natural setting is home to buffer strips; alley cropping demonstrations; the planting of
switch grass and alfalfa alternating with standard row crops; an infiltration basin; living snow fences; and woody crops like hazelnuts
and chestnuts, small fruit crops, Christmas trees, and small decorative
and ornamental crops like pussy willow.
As well as creating an area of natural beauty, this site also incorporates
state-of-the-art conservation practices at Arbor Day Farm. Alley
cropping, for example, is an agroforestry concept that uses strips
of trees or shrubs, with crops grown in the alleys between the strips.
Trees may include valuable hardwood species or trees desirable for
wood products. Alley cropping helps reduce water and wind erosion,
improves crop production, provides supplemental income, and creates
better wildlife habitat and corridors.
The Agroforestry Field is a collaborative effort of the Arbor Day
Foundation and the U.S.D.A. National Agroforestry Center, a partnership of the Natural Resource Conservation Service and the U.S.D.A. Forest Service.
Principles you can use…
Planting specialty crops can offer farmers and landowners both
conservation benefits and significant supplemental income. Land
that may be inaccessible or not ideally suited for traditional crops
and agricultural purposes may prove ideal for innovative agroforestry
practices. And alternatives like living snow fences have long proved
their value and usefulness both to winter drivers and to the farmers
or landowners who reap year-round benefits from them.
To learn more…
Publications:
To receive the Arbor Day Foundation's free "Conservation Trees
for Your Farm, Family & Future" booklet with information
about agroforestry and conservation techniques, write to: Conservation
Trees, c/o The Arbor Day Foundation, 211 N. 12th Street,
Lincoln, NE 68508, or
order the free booklet online..
Also available by writing the Arbor Day Foundation at the address
above are the following free brochures: "Marketing Specialty
Forest Products," "Productive Conservation: Growing Specialty
Forest Products in Agroforestry Plantings," "Edible Woody
Landscapes for People and Wildlife," and "Hybrid Hazelnuts:
An Agroforestry Opportunity."
Web sites:
More information on agroforestry and conservation techniques can
be found at the following Web sites:
The
Arbor Day Foundation - for additional conservation
information or to order the "Conservation Trees" booklet
on-line, or visit
our tree store to learn about or order trees suitable for agroforestry
purposes
The U.S.D.A. National Agroforestry Center - for a PDF format of "Marketing
Specialty Forest Products," "Productive Conservation:
Growing Specialty Forest Products in Agroforestry Plantings,"
"Edible Woody Landscapes for People and Wildlife," and
"Hybrid Hazelnuts: An Agroforestry Opportunity."
The
Natural Resources Conservation Service - for helpful information
on agroforestry and other conservation practices.
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