Southeast Iowa Agroforestry Demonstration

Southeast Iowa Agroforestry Demonstration

Summary

All available seed and plugs for this project have been planted as planned. There were some species that were unavailable due to poor seed production or poor germination. It is anticipated that these species will be available in the spring of 2002 for planting. The plantings have been evaluated, but it is to early in the establishment process to determine if can be deemed a success. Signs have been purchased to identify the species planted, a draft informational brochure has been completed and field days have been tentatively scheduled.

Objectives/Performance Targets

1. Show landowners the environmental benefits of agroforestry to encourage them to convert marginal cropland to more environmentally beneficial landuses.

   Demonstrate to private entrepreneurs the economic potential of growing, harvesting, and selling local ecotype forbs and medicinals.

   Help local leaders preserve through propagation irreplaceable local ecotype forbs and medicinals.

Accomplishments/Milestones

Dry Upland Savannah

On May 16th, the 5′ x 75’seedbeds located between the existing rows of trees were prepared for planting by spraying them with Round-up and Escort. On July 1, the following local ecotype species were planted in the strips utilizing a small no-till drill.

Black-Eyed Susan
Rattlesnake Master
Northern Dropseed
Pale Purple Coneflower
Rose Milkweed
Butterfly Milkweed
Canada Wild Rye
Compass Plan

There were 4 species that were unavailable due to poor seed production. It is anticipated that these 4 species will be available for planting in the spring of 2002.

Wet Lowland Savannah

Due to unexpected circumstances at the landfill, the wet site for this project had to be relocated to Iowa Army Ammunition Plant. On June 21, the following plugs were planted at the new site.

Cardinal Flower
Great Blue Lobelia
Mountain Mint
Cordgrass

For this planting, there were 2 species that were unavailable due to poor germination. It is anticipated that these species will be available for planting in the spring of 2002.

Signs that identify each species have been purchased, but to date have not been installed. The draft of the informational brochure is complete, but not yet finalized. A schedule for field days has been developed with the first field day being held in March of 2002 and the second in August of 2002

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

At this time it is difficult to determine the impact and contributions of this project. In order to measure the success of this project it will more than likely take several years beyond this 2-year project. Upon plot evaluation and planned program outreach/education some projections may be made as to the potential impacts that may be available economically and environmentally.

Collaborators: