Stump Culture: Coppice for Conifers
Stump culture is a type of conifer tree harvesting that is closely related to the practice of coppicing. In coppice systems, trees are cut down to stumps, and the tree regenerates from the roots. Unlike deciduous trees, conifers cannot …
Alternative Crops From Mast-Producing Trees
For many farmers and landowners, Return On Investment (ROI) is a major concern when converting crop or pasture land to trees. Although government incentive programs can encourage conservation measures such as hedgerows and riparian buffer zones, these measures must …
An Introduction to Analog Forestry
Analog forestry is a system of sustainable forestry that seeks to recreate the structure and function of a diverse natural forest. Much like agroforestry, it seeks to use forest resources for food, shelter, and income in a sustainable way, …
Mast-Producing Trees in Agroforestry Systems
Agroforestry is the combination of trees and shrubs with crops and/or livestock to produce more a diverse, productive, and profitable farm.
Long practiced in the tropics, agroforestry is gaining increasing attention in temperate regions due to its many benefits.
Some …
Coppicing With Mast-Producing Trees
Coppicing is an ancient form of woodlot management that was widely practiced in Europe for thousands of years and is now experiencing a revival of interest around the world.
Coppicing is the practice of cutting young trees back almost to …
An Introduction to Woody Agriculture
Woody agriculture is a new agriculture discipline that focuses on intensive production of staple food and fuel crops using woody perennial plants. It is similar to agroforestry and edible forest gardening, but does not mix woody perennial crops with …
Chestnut-Finished Pork
Chestnuts are one of several types of hard mast that have been used as food for pigs for centuries in parts of Europe. The tradition followed European settlers to North America.
The most famous chestnut-fed pigs are those raised around …
Acorn-Finished Pork: An Ancient Tradition
Acorn-finished pork is a centuries-old tradition that has been handed down from the Mediterranean region of Europe. Pigs are native to the hardwood forests of Eurasia and there is a growing movement in Europe and America to return to more …
Managing Woodlots for Mast
By managing your woodlot to increase mast production, you can improve habitat for whitetail deer, wild turkeys, and many other types of mammals, insects, and birds, open up additional income opportunities from sale of fruits, …