Converting Conifer Row-Plantings to Black Locust Production

Note to readers, attached is the complete final report for FNE02-413.

The economic benefit of increasing future productivity by adding calcite limestone to the soil is already clear to local farmers, who apply the material to cropland nearby Foresters will, in time, strive to maintain and improve soil productivity, in response to declines in productivity that are expected to follow from long-term over-exploitation of forest resources. Methods can be developed now, to use the ecological stability of the Soil Conservation Service conifer plantations as a resource for selectivity establishing uneven-aged plantations of mixed high-value hardwoods that will provide sustainable timber resources for future generations. By creating a successful and positive demonstration of progressive management practices for conifer plantations, we can assist and inspire local landowners to manage their woodlots in a more efficient and profitable manner. The timing of woodlot management coincides with times of available farm labor. The cash crops of seedling production, planting and maintaining soil fertility are minimal. There is an untapped opportunity to develop the economics of growing black locust in this area.

• FNE02-413 Photos
• FNE02-413 Final Report
• Outreach Article: Safe Substitute for Pressure-Treated Lumber
• Black Locust Initiative