Project Overview
FNE02-413
Project Type: Farmer
Funds awarded in 2002: $6,100.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2002
Region: Northeast
State: New York
Project Leader:
Dave Gell
Black Locust Initiative, Inc
Commodities
- Additional Plants: trees
Practices
- Crop Production: biological inoculants, forestry, intercropping, nutrient cycling, application rate management
- Education and Training: demonstration, display, extension, farmer to farmer, networking, participatory research, technical assistance
- Farm Business Management: whole farm planning, new enterprise development, community-supported agriculture, value added
- Natural Resources/Environment: afforestation, biodiversity, soil stabilization, wildlife
- Pest Management: allelopathy, biological control
- Production Systems: agroecosystems, holistic management
- Soil Management: organic matter, soil analysis, nutrient mineralization, soil quality/health
- Sustainable Communities: new business opportunities, public participation, community services, employment opportunities, sustainability measures
Proposal summary:
Conifers have a low timber value, and black locust has seen increasing demand as a fast-growing and nontoxic substitute for pressure-treated wood. The farmer will selectively replace conifers with black locust and 10 percent other species, quantify the differences in sales and yield, and determine the economics of soil amendments done at the time of planting. Outreach will be through curricula, presentations, and forestry and community events.
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.