The Walnut Clonal Seed Bank at Arbor Day Farm
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| Walnuts are prized for their great taste
and nutritional value. |
Located on a two-and-one-half acre site in the heart of Arbor Day
Farm, the Walnut Clonal Seed Bank is demonstrating how small or
inaccessible plots can provide excellent sites and soils for tree
crops. And few trees can offer a better example than the black walnut,
with its distinctive nuts and highly desirable lumber.
Beginning in 1981, the Nebraska Forest Service began identifying
black walnut trees throughout the Midwest that showed superior timber
qualities. Then, from 1981-1983, scion wood was collected from these
superior trees and grafted onto black walnut rootstock. In 1982
and 1983, 469 grafted seedlings were transplanted to the site at
Arbor Day Farm. After 20 years, seed will be collected and a progeny
study will be established at the Walnut Clonal Seed Bank, resulting
in the creation of a seed orchard from the superior clones. Seed
will be collected from this clonal seed orchard for the Nebraska
Conservation Trees Program.
The Walnut Clonal Seed Bank is a prime example of research, conducted
in sites unsuitable for growing traditional row crops, working for
the good of agroforestry and those who depend upon forests for a
better quality of life.
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| Black walnut trees are a good choice
for land that is often unsuitable for traditional agriculture
or agroforestry production. |
Principles you can use
Consider nut crops such as black walnut for any small or inaccessible
spaces you may have that aren’t suitable for standard agriculture
or other agroforestry purposes. For nut or timber production, walnuts
may be an appropriate and profitable choice. In considering black
walnut, remember that this tree does best in rich, well-drained
soil and will grow more slowly in drier soils. To ensure pollination,
it’s best to plant at least two trees.
To learn more…
Publications:
To receive a free copy of The Arbor Day Foundation’s
“Tree Book,” with information on tree care and how to
order black walnuts and other trees, write to: The Tree Book, c/o
The Arbor Day Foundation, 211 N. 12th Street, Lincoln,
NE 68508.
Web sites:
More information on black walnuts and other alternative crops can
be found at the following Web sites:
The National
Arbor Day Foundation Tree Store - to learn where you can order
black walnuts and other trees.
The Nebraska Forest Service
– for information on forestry and agroforestry research and
development; and http://www.ianr.unl.edu/pubs/forestry/treeprog/ec1760.htm
for information on the Nebraska Conservation Tree Program
The Natural Resources Conservation
Service – for helpful information on tree selection, planting,
and care
Northern Nut Growers
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