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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #112532
Title: NUTRIENT CYCLING FROM ANIMAL WASTES IN AN AGROFORESTRY SYSTEM

Author
item JAMES, TRAVIS - USDA-NRCS
item Sauer, Thomas
item STRIGLER, KEITH - UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
item COBLENTZ, WAYNE - UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
item HICKEY, KEVIN - ARKANSAS FORESTRY COMMIS
item JONES, JIM - CTR ADV AMER BLK WALNUT

Submitted to: Walnut Research Conference
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/7/2000
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Agricultural land use in the Ozark Highland region is typified by intense poultry production and beef grazing operations. Phosphorous (P) has accumulated in soils of the region far in excess of agronomic requirements for tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) and bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) production. A study and demonstration site was established on the University of Arkansas Animal Science Farm in Fayetteville, Arkansas, to investigate the potential for using agroforestry or silvopastoral systems to maximize nutrient uptake and utilization by using multiple tree and forage species grown in close association. Eastern black walnut (Juglans nigra), pecan (Carya illinoensis) and northern red oak (Quercus rubra) were planted in 50 foot rows to allow equipment to apply poultry litter at various rates to determine the effect of the material on tree growth and nut production and quality. An important component of the study includes a replicated comparison of multiple cultivars of eastern black walnut. Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata) will be established to determine if the anticipated cooler, moister microclimate in the planting will favor this cool season introduced forage. Tree rows are also spaced to allow the establishment of small cells to facilitate intensively managed livestock grazing. Tree growth, nut production and quality, forage yield and nutritional quality, and nutrient uptake of all species will be measured. Groundwater and surface water samples will be collected from 16 monitoring wells and analyzed for nutrient concentration and other chemistry.