Fruit and Berry Tree Crop Trial Program for Native Alaskan Rural Communities in Interior Alaska

Fruit and Berry Tree Crop Trial Program for Native Alaskan Rural Communities in Interior Alaska

Summary

During our first year of the project we established and developed the planting site, constructed two large high tunnels and planted 240 apple trees divided between the interior and exterior plots. Additionally, we completed the installation of an electric fence around the perimeter of the trial to limit risk of moose browse and installed data loggers for monitoring environmental conditions both inside and outside the high tunnels. This report includes details on the preparation of the planting sites and construction of the high tunnels as well as tree and planting information.
We will be monitoring environmental conditions throughout the winter.

Objectives/Performance Targets

Test the survival and yield of fruit trees on a Zone 2 site using new cold tolerant varieties in combination with the application of high tunnels in order to determine if we can develop plant materials and procedures that will make it possible for Interior Alaska rural villages to grow their own fruit.

GOALS FOR 2008

Our main objectives for 2008 are:
-Assess tree survival and replace trees if necessary.
-General maintenance of the high tunnels and plots.
-Cover crops will be planted between tunnels and plots.
-Berries will be acquired and planted in between rows.
-Drip irrigation system will be set up for both tunnels and plots.
-Develop protocol for how to best operate the high tunnels for survival and growth given concerns for our high latitude solar gain during spring and summer months.
-Data will be collected inside and outside tunnels for the following parameters:
-RH
-Ambient Air Temperature
-Soil Temperature (at 5 -10 inches)
-Photosynthetic Active Radiation
-Solar Radiation
-Wind Speed
-We will continue to video document all activities and prepare a short film for outreach purposes.
-A website will be set up and maintained for outreach as well

Accomplishments/Milestones

Introduction:

Although funds were released to begin the project in mid 2006, purchase and delivery of the high tunnels and site development work was not initiated until spring 2007 leading up to the spring/summer planting season. Due to concerns regarding cold hardiness and tree winter survival we did a lot of consultation regarding varieties for testing and appropriate root graft stock. Arrangements were then made to purchase 39 varieties of apples from a tree breeder/grafter in the Matanuska Valley.

After considering our options for site establishment and difficulties with the earlier proposed Nenana Village site, it was concluded that our best option for trial security and establishment was to locate the research project on the grounds of the Agriculture and Forestry Experiment Station located adjacent to the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus (Figure 1).

Research Site Statistics:

Latitude = 64.8626, Longitude = -147.8279
Lat = 64 degrees, 51.8 minutes North
Long = 147 degrees, 49.7 minutes West

Elevation: 436 feet

The following data chart for daily minimum and maximum temperatures (red) for Fairbanks cover the period of June -December 13. The blue lines represent 30 year average values. The amounts of rain and snow precipitation are shown at the bottom of the graph. It was a relatively good summer for plant growth and many gardeners in the area produced exceptional crops. November and early December have been much warmer than last year.

FTBC Research Project Site Preparation

Locations of the high tunnels were selected based on prevailing wind patterns, soil drainage, maximum sun exposure and location of preexisting tunnels that neighbor our site (Figure 2). Soil samples were taken in early spring directly after thaw (Table I). Based on the soil analyses, little mitigation was necessary before planting.

The dimensions of the high tunnels were measured out on the trial site (42’ X 96 ‘) and post holes (25 for each side and also in the center) were augered using a power auger. Sides were squared and leveled and the posts were pounded in and re-leveled as needed.

HIGH TUNNELS

Two high tunnels (Clear Span), 42 feet by 96 feet, were assembled and constructed on site following the manual instructions. Tunnels were purchased from FarmTek.
Once the posts were in place the arches were assembled.

In addition to the supplies included with the tunnels, the arch assembly required:

-A large relatively flat surface.
-A power drill.
-Several titanium drill bits (to fit 1” tek screws)

There were 5 pieces in each arch. We assembled arches in two parts, 2 and 3 pipe segments using 1 tek screw per pipe connection. Arches were moved directly to the site using a forklift. We used a boom truck to assemble the arches, with one worker in the basket joining the two arches and securing the centerpiece with the supplied coupler. The purlins were added at the same time on either side using the boom truck on one side and a hay wagon with ladders on the other. Purlins were kept as straight as possible. About 4 people total were needed to place the arches and secure them into the ground posts. Once the structures were complete we anchored them in with duckbills
(Size 88, 12-inch body with screw ends) and crescent auger anchors (2 feet). We used 3 duckbills and 1 crescent on each side and two cable tie downs along the center support posts.

Once the structures were secured, the plastic coverings had to be installed. This involved several people (at least 6) and plenty of rope. We chose a relatively light to no wind day. We laid the plastic out on one side of the tunnel and inserted conduit as instructed in the manual, tying ropes to the conduit along the length of the plastic. The ropes were then hoisted over the tunnel frame and pulled from the other side until the entire structure was covered and the plastic was centered over the structure. We then added the rest of the conduit pieces and strapped the cover in place with the supplied straps and large ratchets that were attached to the inside of the rafters. This process was repeated for the second tunnel (See attached Movie and Picture documentation)

With the covers on and secured, we then installed the roll up side devices. The supplied gearboxes were not strong enough for the 96 foot length 7.5 ml plastic covering. Larger boxes had to be obtained from FarmTek and these didn’t work that well either. For the first season sidewalls for the most part were manually moved when needed. Different methods for more effective and efficient sidewall use will be explored in the spring.

Tunnels were checked daily the first few weeks after construction to adjust tension on the plastic covering and to keep the structure straight. The inside of the tunnels were tilled and rowed (6 ,12inch rows / tunnel). The same was done to the exterior plots (Figure 2).

TREE ACQUISTION AND PLANTING

All trees were obtained from Dan Elliott whose farm is located near Wasilla, Alaska. All of the tree grafting was conducted at his farm.

Trees were grafted using Ranetka rootstock. Thirty-nine varieties were planted and are listed in
Table II. Each tunnel and plot was planted with 60 trees spaced either 6 feet apart and 6 feet in between rows or 7 feet apart and 12 feet in between rows (Figures 3-6). Two Cherry trees were also planted inside one of the tunnels.

Trees were planted in July. Holes were dug manually and were twice the width and depth of the root base. Holes were watered and a teaspoon of low nitrogen start up fertilizer was added to 2 gallons of water that was used to water the trees once they were planted in the holes. Risse’s Triple R topsoil was added on top (also very low N containing). Small burms were made within 2 feet of the each tree, in a circular manner to retain watering and collect rainfall. The trees were not pruned the first season and fertilizer was not applied.

The decision to postpone berry planting was made in order to allow the apple trees to become established. We were concerned about the degree of winter mortality that may occur with the trial. Berries will be acquired and planted in 2008.

IRRIGATION
Trees were watered manually the first season. Each tree received 2 gallons of water twice weekly during the growing season and once weekly starting in August. Exterior plots were watered less when there was rainfall. Drip irrigation will be set up for the second season.

MAINTENANCE
Tunnels and plots were weeded daily by hand and rototilled once a week. To keep weeds down around plots and tunnels, the entire site was tilled once a month with a tractor. Extra care was taken to keep the area around the trees weed free. No chemicals were used at any time. It was particularly difficult to keep the tunnel edges and sides weed free since rainfall run off in these areas was common. For the next growing season we intend to apply a cover crop whick will be used in between tunnels and plots and possibly outside the fence area. We are also considering putting grass between the rows which will require mowing but will reduce weeds and help retain soil moisture.

WINTER PREPARATION

IRRIGATION
-In preparation for winter, watering was reduced starting in September to every other week.
-The tunnels were watered well including in between rows before the first freeze.

TUNNELS
-End walls were installed in mid October, with assistance of a boom lift.
-The area at the base of the trees inside the tunnels was covered with a two foot square piece of reflective insulation and covered with straw (12 inches).
-6ml visqueen was added to the sides and corners of the high tunnels. Duct tape and Tyvek tape were used to secure the visqueen.

TREES
-Spiral tree guards were placed on the lower stem of all trees.
-Forty plants in each tunnel/plot were covered with either Tubex or Treepees.
-Rebar was used to stake in the Tubex in the exterior plots, bamboo was used to stake Tubex in the tunnels.

MONITORING EQUIPMENT

Ten HOBO microstations, 5 inside a tunnel, 5 in an exterior plot, were placed on random trees measuring;
-Air temp and RH
-Soil temp between 5 and 10 inches

Two HOBO weather stations were set up inside a tunnel and in one exterior plot.
These were set up to measure:
-Air temp and RH
-Soil temp (5 inches – 10 inches)
-Soil moisture
-Wind speed
-Solar Radiation
-Photosynthetic Active Radiation
Data loggers are set to take measurements hourly throughout the winter.

WINTER MAINTENANCE

-Tunnels will need to be cleared of snow as needed. A snow rake can be used from the inside along with a sledgehammer, which can be tapped on the rafters from the inside.
-Tunnels will also need to be checked regularly for rips and tears in covering throughout the structure along with the extra visqueen.
-Plants should be checked for voles and other possible damage occasionally.
-Monitoring equipment should be checked weekly for battery levels and damage.
-Data can be collected weekly, monthly or not until spring if necessary
-We will be applying straps over the top of the high tunnel covers in order to further secure them from coming loose in high winds, which could entangle overhead powerlines.
-We completed the Electrobraide fence around the perimeter of the trial and will be powering it this winter to control moose browse damage.

Sample pH Nitrate Ammonium Boron Iron Manganese Copper Zinc Aluminum
1 7.2 7.40 1.8 0.64 243 24 3.5 3.5 655
2 7.2 10.60 1.4 0.78 251 20 3.26 3.26 599
3 7.5 27.90 1.4 0.83 283 28 3.56 3.56 657
4 7.9 40.00 1.3 0.6 250 30 3.29 3.29 563
5 7.4 8.50 1.7 0.62 251 26 3.05 3.05 576
6 7.7 37.60 1.4 0.51 239 26 2.17 2.17 545
7 8.2 23.80 2.2 0.74 270 38 1.6 1.6 552
8 6.9 10.80 3.4 0.76 271 32 4.79 4.79 693
9 7.5 11.50 1.9 0.69 251 29 3.87 3.87 554
10 7.3 9.00 2 0.79 263 27 3.35 3.35 623
11 7.8 22.00 1.4 0.66 251 31 2.34 2.34 569
12 8.2 59.00 1.4 0.68 273 32 2.15 2.15 541
Table I. Soils Data from May 2007, in ppm.

Table II. Apple Varieties
Apple Varieties
8919
18-10-32
18-18-11
18-8-9
Advance
Altaiski Sweet
Arbordale

Arctic Red
Brookland
Carroll
Chinese Golden Early
Colett
Garland
Golden Uralian
Goodland
Heyer 12
Heyer 20
Lee 17
Lee 21
Norcue
Norda
Norkent
Norland
Norsen
Northland
Nortley
NovaSibirski
Parkland
Praire Magic
Praire Sun
Red Heart
Rescue
September Ruby
Shafer
Summer Red
Trailmen
Ukalskoje Nalindje
PF-12
Norhey

West UAF Campus

FIGURE 1. Map of Alaska showing Fairbanks and West UAF campus with Fruit Tree Trial location indicated.

a)

b) c)

FIGURE 2(a-c). a) High tunnels and exterior plots. b) High tunnel c) Exterior plot

Ukalskoje Advance Norda 18-10-32

Heyer 20 Rescue Lee 21 Brookland

Arctic Red Red Heart Goodland Red Heart

Parkland Northland Carrol ? Norcue

Norland 18-10-32 18-8-9 Arbordale

Goodland Altaiski Sweet 8919 Arctic Red

Brookland 8919 Ukalskoje Heyer 20

Prairie Sun Norkent Advance Heyer 12

Shafer Norland Novasibirksi Chinese Golden Early

Sept Ruby Golden Uralian Parkland Norland

Rescue Lee 21 Collet Prairie Sun

Lee 17 PF-12 Summer Red Golden Uralian

Trailmen 18-18-9 Norland 18-18-11

Summer Red Novasibirski Garland Altaiski Sweet

PF-12 Prairie Magic Lee 17 Prairie Magic

FIGURE 3. Tunnel 1 Tree map. Sixty trees were planted on July 10th, 6 feet apart and 6 feet in between rows.

Novaskibirski Lee 21 18-8-9 Brookland

Advance Summer Red Arctic Red Heyer 20

8919 Heyer 12 Ukalskoje Artic Red

Norhey 18-10-37 Garland 18-18-11

Heyer 12 Parkland Summer Red Prairie Magic

Goodland Norcue Red Heart Chinese Golden Early

Heyer 20 Rescue Lee 17 Norland

18-18-9 Altaiski Norson Lee 21 Norhey Nova Sibirski
Norda NovaSkibirsi
Arctic Red Norcue 8919 PF-12 Norland Golden Uralian
*planted *planted
Garland 23-Aug Ukalskoje Collet 23-Aug Parkland

Norda Red Heart Trailman Prairie Sun

Prairie Magic Red Heart Golden Uralian Northland

Prairie Sun Norhey PF-12 Lee 17

FIGURE 4. Tunnel 2 Tree Map. Fifty eight trees were planted July 10th (*), 7 feet between trees 12 feet between rows.

Altaiski Sweet Northland Advance Norda

Norcue Northland Lee 17 Prairie Sun

Trailmen Altaiski Sweet Heyer 20 Garland

Lee 21 Norcue Norson Norhey

Ukalskoje Goodland 18-8-9 Ukalskoje

Norhey Altaiski Sweet Heyer 12 Heyer 20

Goodland Arctic Red Brookland Nordale

18-8-9 8919 18-10-32 Advance

18-18-11 PF-12 Garland Summer Red

Heyer 12 Norda Red Heart Prairie Magic

8919 Norhey Norland Summer Red

18-18-11 Novaskirski Chinese Early Golden Golden Uralian

Lee 21 PF-12 Prairie Magic Collet

Parkland Parkland Lee 17 Prairie Magic *

FIGURE 5. Exterior plot 1 Tree Map. Fifty six trees were planted on July 11 6 ft between trees and rows.

8919 Norkent 8919 Norhey

18-8-9 Norcue Heyer 20 Altaiski Sweet

18-10-32 Norda Rescue Parkland

Norhey Lee 11 PF-12 Arctic Red

Norson Chinese Golden Early Trailman Prairie Magic

Garland Summer Red Advance Prairie Sun

Novaskibirski Red Heart Brookland Sept. Ruby

Norcue Ukalskoje Trailman Golden Uralian

Rescue Garland Prairie Sun Lee 17

Collet Novaskibirski Goodland * 18-18-11

Lee 21 Parkland Norland Artic Red

Goodland Altaiski Sweet Lee 21 Goodland

Norson Heyer 12 Carroll Summer Red

PF 12 Garland * Heyer 12 Red Heart

Norda Ukalskoje 18-8-9 18-10-32

FIGURE 6. Exterior plot 2 Tree map. Sixty trees were planted on July 11 7 feet apart and 12 feet between
rows.

GOALS FOR 2008

Our main objectives for 2008 are:
-Assess tree survival and replace trees if necessary.
-General maintenance of the high tunnels and plots.
-Cover crops will be planted between tunnels and plots.
-Berries will be acquired and planted in between rows.
-Drip irrigation system will be set up for both tunnels and plots.
-Develop protocol for how to best operate the high tunnels for survival and growth given concerns for our high latitude solar gain during spring and summer months.
-Data will be collected inside and outside tunnels for the following parameters:
-RH
-Ambient Air Temperature
-Soil Temperature (at 5 -10 inches)
-Photosynthetic Active Radiation
-Solar Radiation
-Wind Speed
-We will continue to video document all activities and prepare a short film for outreach purposes.
-A website will be set up and maintained for outreach as well.

Acknowledgment:

We were extremely fortunate to have two student interns for 5 weeks from the RAHI (Rural Alaska Honors Institute) program here at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. These students assisted in both the construction of the high tunnels and the planting and general maintenance of the trees. Additionally, the UAF Experiment Farm Staff and the CES business office have been very helpful in making this project run efficiently.

Collaborators: