Progress report for FNC22-1334
Project Information
A total of 667 bur oaks (Quercus macrocarpa) and 667 english oak (Quercus robur) inoculated with Burgundy truffle (Tuber aestivum) were received on March 16 & March 17. Of the initial 2,000 inoculated trees that were ordered, the chinkapin oaks (Quercus muehlenbergii) were not assessed as sufficient quality in the growing laboratory, and therefore were not sent to us. The planting began on March 17 and was completed on March 21, 2022, on a set aside 5 acre plot of land.
To our knowledge, a sustainable truffle orchard has never been established in Indiana. Truffles are highly prized for their umami aroma and flavor. A supply of fresh truffles would improve market opportunities, soil health, food systems and quality of life, culinary and gastronomic experiences, agroforestry and tourism in the region. Five acres of cropland in Parke County, Indiana was set aside to establish a Truffle-Hardwood Orchard in 2022.
Burgundy truffle inoculated oak seedlings (New World Truffles, Oregon) were selected for Indiana’s climate, its market value and vigor. Dr. Charles Lefevre, New World Truffles, our mycologist partner is experienced in successful establishment of truffle orchards.
Truffles are subterranean fungi that have critical functions in ecosystems. They recycle nutrients, improve soil texture and structure, nourish and network trees, and support wildlife food webs. Culinary truffles offer other ecological benefits. In Oregon, Douglas fir plantations on former pastureland, produced valuable truffles while improving habitat for struggling salmon, and provided carbon offsets reducing atmospheric CO2.
Wild truffles (Michigan truffle) found in cold climates underscore the promise of truffle cultivation in the Midwest and specifically in Indiana. The burgundy truffle was selected because of the significant experience and success with its cultivation in cold climates.
A total of 24 tons per acre of lime was applied to the 5 acres in June-July 1, 2021 to raise the soil pH. Straw was mixed in with the lime. In August 2021, a custom blend of forbs, grasses, and legumes were seeded in the 5 acres to improve the soil (see attached list of the custom blend, with ounces or pounds per acre shown). We requested the soil samples are ran and reported in metric system instead of English pounds per acre, as recommended by Dr. Charles Lefevre, as standardized in the soil community. The post-planting soil samples can be compared to the prior soil samples taken before planting on 3-24-21 and 7-7-21, and after the lime was deposited in June-July 1, 2021. The post-planting soil samples (4 different sites on the 5 acres were taken on 4-19-22 are attached).
A total of 667 bur oaks (Quercus macrocarpa) and 667 english oak (Quercus robur) inoculated with Burgundy truffle (Tuber aestivum) were received on March 16 & March 17. Of the initial 2,000 inoculated trees that were ordered, the chinkapin oaks (Quercus muehlenbergii) were not assessed as sufficient quality in the growing laboratory, and therefore were not sent to us. The planting began on March 17 and was completed on March 21, 2022. We used an 8” auger mounted on a Bobcat to drill holes into the soil (see diagram). The trees were planted in a 11’ equilateral triangular configuration with a vertical distance of 9’5” vertical (distance between rows) and a 416 trees per acre density (see diagram). The benefit of this relatively higher planting density is to promote earlier closure of the canopy to minimize sunlight reaching the soil as in interior forest conditions to promote truffle growth.
We used a fixed measuring stick for placement of auger and planting holes. The auger and bobcat also served to fix the metal stakes into the ground. We learned a smaller diameter auger would be better since the tree roots were quite narrow and short relatively. A final planted tree mortality was assessed and tallied on 4-30-21 (see photo). A total of 53 trees out of the 1,334 planted trees were not-viable, which was aligned with the 3% expected mortality per Dr. Charles Lefevre.
Challenges post-planting includes 1. Bending of tree tubes due to high winds, which we had to unbend and resecure to the posts as high on the tubes as possible (see photo). We learned that if the metal stakes were embedded into the soil outside of the dug holes, it may facilitate a higher stake height and better vertical support of the 5’ tree tubes to reduce risk of bending. (see photos) 2. Drought during June – September. We expected the risk of drought and therefore, we had a well and pump placed adjacent to the 5 acre field, with confirmed water pressure and good quality of water. We decided on a spray irrigation hose system that we used to water the trees (see photo). 3) Weeds grew significantly in July-August and had to be removed by herbicide around the trees and tubes, and then by hand both within and around tubes. Leaf and coffee mulch were placed at the base of trees and around tubes after weeding by hand, and tubes replaced and resecured. The weeds included types of grass weeds, Canadian thistle, and Cocklebur. The Cocklebur is the most problematic as its “fruit-seed” harbors prickles and toxic poisons for animals ingesting them. Therefore, goats or other type of animal cannot be used remove these invasive weeds. We learned these weeds where previously not as evident or problematic on the historically farmed land because a pre-emergent was applied to the field prior to planting of crops. We pulled all Cockleburs by hand and disposed of plants. We learned that ridding the field of Cockleburs will require annual removal before any fruiting, and it will take several years because of the Cocklebur seeds that have previously fallen into the soil. We also can anticipate the time period (June-September) when they will emerge and we can be more vigilant to reduce their burden. (see photo)
We plan to plant new inoculated trees in Spring 2024 to replace the 53 that did not survive of the 1,334 trees (planted in March 2021), in addition to replacements for the original 667 inoculated chinkapin oak trees that were not laboratory sufficient for the March 2021 planting. These 720 inoculated tree replacements have been placed on order as it takes 1-2 years to grow and confirm their viability.
1. Identify the truffle and symbiotic tree species ideal for cultivation of truffles in Indiana or similar regional conditions
2. Evaluate the soil texture, condition and health for supporting truffles and hardwoods
3. Establish the soil improvements necessary to support truffle and hardwood plantings
4. Develop the plan for water, weather and pest mitigation
5. Design the orchard planting and maintenance plan
6. Confirm viability of truffle fungi and oak saplings in the laboratory and prior to planting
7. Create educational materials and communications of the project experience and results for omnichannels (e.g. virtual, online powerpoint or pdf, youtube videos, face-to-face field days or conferences, etc…)
Research
A total of 24 tons per acre of lime was applied to the 5 acres in June-July 1, 2021 to raise the soil pH. Straw was mixed in with the lime. In August 2021, a custom blend of forbs, grasses, and legumes were seeded in the 5 acres to improve the soil (see attached list of the custom blend, with ounces or pounds per acre shown). We requested the soil samples are ran and reported in metric system instead of English pounds per acre, as recommended by Dr. Charles Lefevre, as standardized in the soil community. The post-planting soil samples can be compared to the prior soil samples taken before planting on 3-24-21 and 7-7-21, and after the lime was deposited in June-July 1, 2021. The post-planting soil samples (4 different sites on the 5 acres were taken on 4-19-22 and soil sample reports from 3-24-21 and 7-7-21 are attached for ease of comparison).
A total of 667 bur oaks (Quercus macrocarpa) and 667 english oak (Quercus robur) inoculated with Burgundy truffle (Tuber aestivum) were received on March 16 & March 17. Of the initial 2,000 inoculated trees that were ordered, the chinkapin oaks (Quercus muehlenbergii) were not assessed as sufficient quality in the growing laboratory, and therefore were not sent to us. The planting began on March 17 and was completed on March 21, 2022. We used an 8” auger mounted on a Bobcat to drill holes into the soil (see photo). The trees were planted in a 11’ equilateral triangular configuration with a vertical distance of 9’5” vertical (distance between rows) and a 416 trees per acre density (see diagram). The benefit of this relatively higher planting density is to promote earlier closure of the canopy to minimize sunlight reaching the soil as in interior forest conditions to promote truffle growth.
We used a fixed measuring stick for placement of auger and planting holes. The auger and bobcat also served to fix the metal stakes into the ground. (see photo). We learned a smaller diameter auger would be better since the tree roots were quite narrow and short relatively.
A final planted tree mortality was assessed and tallied on 4-30-21 (see photo). A total of 53 trees out of the 1,334 planted trees were not-viable, not fruiting, which was aligned with the approximately 3% expected mortality per Dr. Charles Lefevre.
Educational & Outreach Activities
Participation Summary:
We communicated our project, challenges, and solutions via email, telephone, text messaging, and in person meetings to two different farmers, the Ceres Solutions company, USDA District Conservationist, Parke County Soil & Water Conservation District, Water and Well Systems expert, and local garden and landscape expert. We have not held a formal education event yet, however, we plan to do so in the upcoming year.
We plan to utilized powerpoint presentation and work with our Soil & Water Conservation District to tell our story (see the photos and video that were loaded under the Materials and Methods and Results section updates.
Learning Outcomes
The lessons learned from the following challenges that were faced post-planting includes:
1. Bending of tree tubes due to high winds, which we had to unbend and resecure to the posts as high on the tubes as possible (see photo). Fortunately, the trees were short enough on the bent tubes that they remained viable. We learned that if the metal stakes were embedded into the soil outside of the dug holes, it may facilitate a higher stake height and better vertical support of the 5’ tree tubes to reduce risk of bending.
2. Drought during June – September. We expected the risk of drought and therefore, we had a well and pump placed adjacent to the 5 acre field, with confirmed water pressure and good quality of water. We decided on a spray irrigation hose system that we used to water the trees (see photos).
3) Weeds grew significantly in July-August and had to be removed by herbicide around the trees and tubes, and then by hand both within and around tubes. Leaf and coffee compost (see photo) were placed at the base of trees and around tubes after weeding by hand, and tubes replaced and resecured. The weeds included types of grass weeds (see photo), Canadian thistle, and Cocklebur (see photo). The Cocklebur is the most problematic as its “fruit-seed” harbors prickles and toxic poisons for animals ingesting them. Therefore, goats or other type of animal cannot be used remove these invasive weeds. We learned these weeds where previously not as evident or problematic on the historically farmed land because a pre-emergent was applied to the field prior to planting of crops. We pulled all Cockleburs by hand and disposed of plants. We learned that ridding the field of Cockleburs will require annual removal before any fruiting, and it will take several years because of the Cocklebur seeds that have previously fallen into the soil. We also can anticipate the time period (June-September) when they will emerge and we can be more vigilant to reduce their burden.
We plan to plant new inoculated trees in Spring 2024 to replace the 53 that did not survive of the 1,334 trees (planted in March 2021), in addition to replacements for the original 667 inoculated chinkapin oak trees that were not laboratory sufficient for the March 2021 planting. These 720 inoculated tree replacements have been placed on order as it takes 1-2 years to grow and confirm their viability.