Northeastern Agroforestry
SARE Research & Education Grant & SARE Partnership Grant
(Above) Map of participating Farms
SARE Research & Education Grant:
Scaling Northeastern Agroforestry using a Farmer-Centered Field Consultancy Model
Castenea orchard installed prior to the SARE Research and Education grant
This photo shows the conditions of the site prior to the SARE Research and Education project. The producer collaborated with a planner and nursery owner to install hybrid Castanea mollissima trees, spaced twenty feet apart in-row and thirty feet between rows. Depending on the growth rate of the trees, the producer can expect to experience shade impacts between years twelve and fifteen, transitioning from partial shade to full shade once the trees reach maturity at thirty feet. If this producer intends to grow C4 plants (which use a different photosynthetic pathway than C3 plants), they will require full sun. Therefore, this spacing will necessitate a shift in production towards C3 plants, which are shade-tolerant, as the canopy of the Castanea begins to close.
Castenea orchard enhanced with perennial crops that can produce in full and sun and partial shaded conditions.
Due to the site constraints, the producer was encouraged to install plant species that would produce yields as the canopy closes. Sambucus canadensis, was chosen as a shade tolerant crop that had a temporal difference from the chestnut crop that produces nuts in the fall while elderberry fruits in the summer. Asimina triloba L. were interplanted between chestnuts in one of the rows.
Community members inoculated mushroom logs using a farm-built table on wheels, which simplifies handling and access for efficient inoculation.
For the purpose of demonstrating a variety of species for community education, creating diverse offerings for potential markets, and selecting species that would match the available wood types that could be harvested from the forested land on site, oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus) shiitake (Lentinus edodes) and lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus) were chosen as mushroom species to grow.
(Above) Tree tubes help protect the newly planted trees from deer, moles, and other threats for the first several years of establishment.
(Left) Tree tubes protect young trees from predation, strong winds, and herbicide exposure. They create a moisture-retaining microclimate and help trees grow faster with better survival rates.
Tree tube considerations
When considering shelters for tree protection, several factors must be taken into account, including height, diameter, ventilation, and material. Shelters should be at least 5 feet tall to protect against deer, and it is best to choose the largest diameter possible to promote healthy tree growth. Good ventilation is essential, as it helps prevent fungal diseases and reduces the risk of shelters being blown over in the wind.
(Above) Irrigation is set up using a sprinkler to water logs consistently throughout the season.
(Left) Fungi need moisture in the wood to break it down, so it’s important to water the logs if it doesn’t rain. After you inoculate the logs, make sure they get at least one inch of water each week when there’s no rain. Sprinklers work well for this. Good water management is crucial during the first growing season while the spawn is becoming established. By the end of the season, you usually won’t need to water anymore, and letting the logs dry out a bit can help increase mushroom production.
(Left) The alley between rows of chestnuts with cover crops growing within the alleys
(Above) Rows of black walnut and poplar are planted across pasture, protected by white tree tubes. Sheep seek shade under pop-up tents in the planted field. Dappled light cast by black walnut and poplar will eventually provide relief for livestock without the need to move structures like these.
Rows of black walnut and poplar trees have been planted across the pasture, each protected by white tree tubes. Currently sheep are seeking cooling shelter provided by a pop-up tent in the newly planted field. The dappled light filtered through the black walnut and poplar trees will eventually provide shade for the livestock, eliminating the need to relocate structures like tents. The fast-growing poplar trees have already exceeded the height of the tree tubes in their first season.
The two main reasons this farm include trees in pastures is to improve production efficiency including increased foreage yields and quality and the provision of cooling shade to help reduce heat stress.
(Left) Shiitake plug spawn. Inoculants are essential for cultivating various types of mushrooms and come in different forms, each with its unique characteristics and uses. One common type is plug spawn, which consists of small wooden dowels inoculated with mushroom mycelium. This type of spawn is commonly used for inoculating logs to cultivate species like shiitake and oyster mushrooms. It is easy to use and offers a high success rate when inserted into pre-drilled holes in the logs.
(Right) Wax plays a crucial role in the process of inoculating logs, as it effectively seals the holes where the plug spawn is inserted. This sealing not only prevents any potential contaminants from infiltrating the log but also helps to lock in moisture, creating an ideal environment for the spawn to thrive.
A double boiler ensured that the wax remained in a melted state, allowing for an easy and effective application. This setup provided the necessary heat control, preventing the wax from burning while ensuring it was ready for use when it was time to seal the inoculated logs.
