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AFTA Publications
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March 2006 AGROFORESTRY NEWSLINE >>> March 2006 News of the science and practice of temperate agroforestry in North America, brought to you by the Association for Temperate Agroforestry (AFTA). IN THIS EDITION:
New Energy Estimator for Nitrogen From the USDA A new tool to help farmers and ranchers identify cost savings through efficient nitrogen fertilizer use has been introduced by the USDA. The energy estimator allows farmers and ranchers to estimate the cost of nitrogen product use on their fields. All of the cost estimates are based on management methods for the predominant crops within a particular state, and suggest using manure or compost instead of petroleum-based fertilizers, and management intensive grazing practices. Switching to any single one of these options could potentially save up to $55 per acre. New online journal explores medicinal plants and traditional medicine The non-profit organization Trees for Life has launched a scientific online journal that focuses on scientific studies and traditional knowledge of medicinal and other beneficial plants. It is intended to bring together formal and informal medicinal plants and trees, and also the herbal remedies that accompany these. The journal features international articles, small-scale field studies, and scientific evidence portraying natural remedies and plants that could benefit humanity. Informal writing, field experience, ideas for further study, and studies in progress are all possible topic areas to share through the journal. Dove hunting increases economic return on agroforestry In a recent study by the University of Missouri, researchers found that planting sunflowers and other plants suitable to dove habitat provided landowners with a large opportunity for extra cash while waiting for their tree crops. In Missouri alone, dove hunting grosses $5 million annually. The state of Kentucky pays landowners $2500 for planting a 20-acres sunflower patch for dove-hunting. In the James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Areas, researchers from MDC will plant sunflowers plots between rows of nut trees to maximize dove use. Planting sunflowers can also choke out natural vegetation that may provide shelter for browsing rabbits that stunt or even kill young trees. New FAO website helps foresters cope with invasive species The FAO has created a new online database and website to help foresters deal with the growing number of invasive species. Species that have been introduced from foreign ecosystems have been known to cause a very large and negative impact on native species. Over time, increases in trade and travel have caused a much larger spread of exotic species. The FAO has not only included information on non-native insects, diseases and micro-organisms, but has also included material on woody species, plants, and vertebrates. This website is the first to be specifically related to forestry and plant species. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Thanks to the following correspondents and sources for the information they contributed this month: USDA, NRCS, Trees for Life Organization, FAO, UMCA. YOU CAN HELP Please tell us about agroforestry-related news from your area or institution. We welcome your contributions of photos and/or news about useful information sources (in print and online), education and training opportunities, research or demonstration projects, success stories, etc. For submission guidelines, please visit www.aftaweb.org/resources1.php?page=47. Contact the Newsline editor by e-mailing infonews@aftaweb.org. SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE To Subscribe or Unsubscribe to the Agroforestry Newsline: www.aftaweb.org/resources1.php?page=7 |
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