Integrating walnut and other hardwoods into agroforestry practices

Abstract

Agroforestry systems have been proposed as alternative, environmentally benign systems for agricultural production in temperate North America. Walnut and other hardwoods have been successfully integrated in most agroforestry practices include alley cropping, silvopastural, windbreaks, and riparian buffers. Because of walnuts relatively thin crowns and nut production, it has been the most frequently used woody species. The biophysical research has revealed that the success of complex hardwood-based agroforestry systems will depend on minimizing the negative interactions, especially above and below ground competition, while enhancing the synergistic interactions between system components. Research has shown that agroforestry systems can provide significant ecosystem services in addition to the direct economic benefits.

Parent Publication

• Managing fine hardwoods after a half century of research: Proceedings of the Seventh Walnut Council Research Symposium

Citation

Jose, Shibu. 2013. Integrating walnut and other hardwoods into agroforestry practices. In: Van Sambeek, J.W.; Jackson, Elizabeth A.; Coggeshall, Mark V.; Thomas, Andrew L.; Michler, Charles H. eds. 2013. Managing fine hardwoods after a half century of research: Proceedings of the Seventh Walnut Council Research Symposium; 2011 August 1-3; Madison, WI. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-115. Newtown Square, PA; U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 86-88.