Multipurpose windbreaks for the protection of vegetable crops and production of fruit and nut crops.

Final Report for FNE00-325

FNE00-325 (project overview)
Project Type: Farmer
Funds awarded in 2000: $3,500.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2000
Matching Non-Federal Funds: $1,500.00
Region: Northeast
State: Massachusetts
Project Leader:
Jeremy Barker-Plotkin
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Project Information

Summary:

Note to reader, attached is a complete final report for FNE00-325

Establishment costs of a windbreak planting can vary widely depending on the intended side benefits of the windbreak planting. Hybrid poplars can provide a very economical windbreak at pennies per foot. Adding diversity, value and longevity to a tree row with walnuts, paw-paws and persimmons still keeps the total cost under a dollar per foot. A second shrub row can be added at costs ranging from $.70 to $2.27 per foot. Most shrub species with commercial value are in the range of $1.50 per foot. The orchard now planted on the downwind side of the windbreak had considerably higher cost, but should yield more valuable crops. All trees established well, but it is still too early to find out what the economic value of the crops will be, since none of the trees have started bearing yet.

Research

Participation Summary
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Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.