Progress 11/01/06 to 10/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The original shelterbelt project was initiated in the mid-60s with the planting of six, 40 acre, replicated shelterbelt systems. During the last 6 years, yields of corn, soybean and wheat in sheltered and unsheltered conditions have continued to be monitored in replicated studies. Yield responses have been summarized and incorporated into an economic model of shelterbelt benefits (WBECON). These results have been released in peer reviewed publications, news articles, professional meetings, and at field days. Organic farming practices were integrated into the shelterbelt study in 2006 with an emphasis on organic sources of nitrogen (cover crops) with mixed results. Two graduate student projects focus on nitrogen cycling in organic/windbreak systems. Windbreak renovation studies based on direct seeding of desirable species were begun in 2008. Original plantings of Scotch pine have shown considerable loss due to pine wilt. To overcome this decline in windbreak continuity, seeds of desirable hardwood species were randomly scattered into existing windbreaks. Initial germination rates were low and survival studies are ongoing. Given the drought conditions of the 2012 season success rates of 10 to 15% of seeds planted are deemed low but acceptable. An assessment of the relative health of farms was developed (The Healthy Farm Index). The index was based primarily on the habitat quality for bird species and provides farmers with suggestions on how to improve the value of non-crop areas for bird diversity. The role and value of non-crop areas has been assessed and reported to the public in referred publications, newsletters, professional meetings and websites. The value of shelterbelts as a component of carbon storage in agroforestry systems is being determined as part of a PhD program. Biomass determinations of typical shelterbelt species have been made and models are being developed to allow determination of carbon storage potential of various agroforestry practices. As part of this assessment, the indirect benefits of wind protection on carbon dioxide emissions are being quantified and models to allow landowners to estimate their contribution to carbon balance scenarios are being developed. Findings from these studies have been incorporated into 3 University courses, Introduction to Agriculture and Natural Resources, Agroecology and Agroforestry. During this 6 year reporting period, three MS students, one Ph.D student and one post-doctoral fellow have completed programs of study. Currently, two MS students and two Ph.D. students are working on degrees. PARTICIPANTS: James R. Brandle is the project leader and has overall responsibility for the project. Dr. John Quinn was a post-doctoral fellow and was responsible for the biodiversity research (5/1/09 - 8/31/12). Bruce Bolander is the unit manager of the agroforestry area, provides day to day supervision of technical staff and summer students, and conducts data collection. Mike Cieslik (retired 12/31/11)and Doug Watson are technical staff who carry out most of the farming operation, collect data and assist graduate students as needed. Charles and Karen Messenger provide part time technical support. Katja Kohler-Cole and William Ballesteros (a Fullbright Scholar) are Doctoral students on the project. Jianru Shi and Amy Larson are Masters students on the project. There are collaborative efforts with faculty in the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, the Department of Entomology and the Department of Animal Science at UNL. Partner organizations include the Organic Crop Improvement Association, the Nebraska Sustainable Agricultural Society, the National Agroforestry Center, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. TARGET AUDIENCES: Grain producers across the country are the primary target audience for the shelterbelt studies. Conservation educators are one of the primary users of the windbreak outreach series and over 750,000 copies of 11 publications have been distributed by NRCS, UNL and the National Agroforestry Center over the last 22 years to all 50 states and over 25 countries. Organic producers in the northern Great Plains are the primary target audience of the organic and cover crop studies but the results are applicable to any producer interested in reducing the environmental impact of his or her agricultural operation. Findings from the shelterbelt studies are incorporated into courses in agroforestry and agroecology at UNL. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Results from the windbreak studies continue to support the value of wind protection to both soils and crops. Under some changing climate predictions, the value of windbreaks on reduced water use by crops sheltered by windbreaks may be the critical factor in a successful cropping season. Quantification of the positive values of biodiversity to agroecosystems and to overall crop productivity will provide quantitative support for various government conservation programs. The development of inexpensive regeneration techniques for aging windbreaks will provide landowners with alternative renovation techniques and extend the life of many older windbreaks. Quantitative data on windbreak biomass as a means of carbon storage may provide the basis for landowners securing another income source by marketing carbon credits. Our work to quantify the indirect impacts of windbreak technology on carbon emissions adds another dimension to the economic analysis of the value of windbreaks. By combining the direct carbon storage aspects and the reduction of carbon based products and their resulting emission, the value of windbreak technology and other agroforestry practices in the carbon balance discussion may provide society another short term tool in dealing with climate change.
Publications
- Quinn, J.E., J. Brandle, and R. Johnson. (2012). A farm-scale biodiversity and ecosystem services assessment tool: The Healthy Farm Index. International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability, doi:10.1080/14735903.2012.726854.
- Schoeneberger, M.M., G. Bentrup, H. deGooijer, R. Soolanayakanahally, T. Sauer, J. Brandle, X. Zhou, and D. Current. 2012. Agroforestry as a climate change mitigation and adaptation tool for agriculture. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation 67:128A-136A. (doi:10.2489/jswc.67.5.128A)
- Awada, T. R.El-Hage, M. Geha, D.A. Wedin, J.A. Huddle, X. Zhou,. J. Msanne, R.A. Sudmeyer, D.L. Martin, and J.R. Brandle. 2012. Intra-annual variability and environmental controls over transpiration in a 58-year-old stand of invasive woody Juniperus virginiana L. in the Nebraska Sandhills, USA. Ecohydrology (doi:10.1002/eco.1294)
- Li, Y., X. Zhou, J.R. Brandle, T. Shang, Y. Chen, J. Han. 2012. Temporal progress in improving carbon and nitrogen storage by grazing exclosure practice in a degraded land area of China, Horqin Sandy Grassland. Agriculture Ecosystems and Environment 150:55-61.
- Quinn, J.E., J. Brandle, and R. Johnson. 2012. The effects of land sparing and wildlife-friendly practices on grassland bird abundance within organic farmlands. Agriculture Ecosystems, & Environment. 161:10-16.
- Quinn, J.E. 2012. Sharing a vision for biodiversity conservation and agriculture. Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems.
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Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: In a cooperative effort with NEB-41-038, the first year study of the impact of clover cover crops was initiated in March. Red and white clover varieties were overseeded on winter wheat planted in Oct 2010. Soil samples for nitrogen, biomass samples of clover, wheat and weed populations were taken three times before harvest in July. Evaluation of nesting success for shrubland bird species breeding in organic farm systems continued. Additional acoustic recorders were deployed on participating farms. Recorded bird songs were shared with farmers and others interested on CD and online. Recordings also shared with NE Game and Parks. I-button temperature sensors were deployed at 13 nests to monitor microclimate habitat of Brown Thrashers and Gray Catbirds. Last season direct seedings of selected species were made into our 50 year old existing windbreaks. Survival and success rates of red oak, white oak, burr oak, Osage orange and black walnut were taken in August. New direct seedings of silver maple were made in June and new direct seedings of black walnut were made in September. Biomass sampling of Ponderosa pine was done in July for use in a carbon sequesteration project supported by the USDA Forest Service National Agroforestry Center. Data from previous biomass studies were analyzed and published. Portions of this study were featured in a news article in the Crop Society of Agronomy News. Posters, presentations and field days were made to or held for organic farm groups and stakeholders. Formal presentations or posters were presented at the 2011 Nebraska Sustainable Agricultural Society, American Society of Agronomy and the Ecological Society of America annual meetings. PARTICIPANTS: James R. Brandle is the project leader and has overall responsibility for the project. Dr. John Quinn is a post-doctoral fellow and is responsible for the biodiversity research. Bruce Bolander is the unit manager of the agroforestry area, provides day to day supervision of technical staff and summer students, and conducts data collection. Mike Cieslik and Doug Watson are technical staff who carry out most of the farming operation, collect data and assist graduate students as needed. Charles and Karen Messenger provide part time technical support. Katja Kohler-Cole and William Ballesteros (a Fullbright Scholar) are Doctoral students on the project. Jianru Shi and Amy Larson are new Masters students on the project. Professional development opportunities for Dr. Quinn and Ms. Katja Kohler-Cole included attendance at National Meetings (American Society of Agronomy and the Ecological Society of America) and participation (J.Quinn) in the National Science Foundation supported FIRST IV biology teaching program for post-doctoral scholars. The program included a week long training session and the development of a student centered inquiry based curriculum. There are collaborative efforts with faculty in the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture and the Department of Animal Science at UNL. Partner organizations include the Organic Crop Improvement Assocation, the Nebraska Sustainable Agricultural Society, the National Agroforestry Center, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. TARGET AUDIENCES: Grain producers across the country are the primary target audience for the shelterbelt studies. Conservation educators are one of the primary users of the windbreak outreach series and over 750,000 copies of 11 publications have been distributed by NRCS, UNL and the National Agroforestry Center over the last 21 years to all 50 states and over 25 countries. Organic producers in the northern Great Plains are the primary target audience of the organic and cover crop studies but the results are applicable to any producer interested in reducing the environmental impact of his or her agricultural operation. Findings from the shelterbelt studies are incorporated into courses in agroforestry and agroecology at UNL. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Results from the windbreak studies continue to support the value of wind protection to both soils and crops. Under some changing climate predictions, the value of windbreaks on reduced water use by crops sheltered by windbreaks may be the critical factor in a successful cropping season. Quantification of the positive values of biodiversity to agroecosystems and to overall crop productivity will provide quantitative support for various government conservation programs. The development of inexpensive regeneration techniques for aging windbreaks will provide landowners with alternative renovation techniques and extend the life of windbreaks. Quantitative data on windbreak biomass as a means of carbon storage may provide the basis for landowners securing another income source by marketing carbon credits. Our work to quantify the indirect impacts of windbreak technology on carbon emissions adds another dimension to the economic analysis of the value of windbreaks. By combining the direct carbon storage aspects and the reduction of carbon based products and their resulting emissions, the value of windbreak technology and other agroforestry practices in the carbon balance discussion may provide society another short term tool in dealing with climate change.
Publications
- Quinn, J.E, J.R. Brandle, R.J. Johnson, and A.J. Tyre. 2011. Application of detectability in the use of indicator species: A case study with birds. Ecological Indicators 11:1413-1418.
- Hernandez-Ramirex, G., T.J. Sauer, C.A. Cambardella, J.R. Brandle and D.E. James. 2011. Carbon sources and dynamics in afforested and cultivated corn belt soils. Soil Sci. Soc. of Am. J. 75:216-225.
- Zhou, X.H., J.R. Brandle, T.N. Awada, M.M. Schoeneberger, D.L. Martin, Z.H Tang. 2011. The use of forest-derived specific gravity for the conversion of volume to biomass for open grown trees on agricultural land. Biomass and Bioenergy 35:1721-1731.
- Hou, Q., L.J. Young, J.R. Brandle, and M.M. Schoeneberger. 2011. A spatial model approach for assessing windbreak growth and carbon stocks. J. Environ. Quality 40:842-852.
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Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Long term crop yields for corn, soybean and wheat were collected, however a hail storm on Sept 13 significantly reduced yields in all studies. Cover crop studies with soybean, berseem clover, hairy vetch, cowpeas, and Australian winter peas were damaged as well. Soil nitrogen was determined but yields were lost. 45 acres of land were certified as organic. Nutrient and yield studies were conducted but again yield data were lost. The fourth year of the Healthy Farm Index study was completed and a Ph.D. degree was granted. Four publications are in various stages of completion. The first year of a nesting study on organic farms was completed. The study on hackberry leaf tatters was completed and a MS degree was granted. An Extension publication is being prepared. Findings from these studies have been incorporated into 3 University courses, Intro to Ag and NR., Agroecology, and Agroforestry. A new study to assess the practicality of regenerating windbreak density using direct seeding of oak in the understory was initiated. First season assessment indicated some successful germination (10 to 40% depending on species). Additional seeding is underway this fall. PARTICIPANTS: James R. Brandle, project leader, oversight of entire project. Bruce Bolander, Unit manager of the agroforestry area, provides day to day supervision of technical staff and conducts data collection. Mike Cieslik, Agricultural technician, carries out most of the farming operation and collects data. Katja Kohler-Cole, new Ph.D. graduate student, her project focuses on developing methods to improve protein content of wheat in organic systems. Ariana (Jones) Miller, MS student completed her study of hackberry leaf-tatters, a stressor of windbreak trees and graduated. John Quinn, Ph.D student, completed his degree and is now a post-doctoral fellow on the project working on the HFI with emphasis on nesting success. Charles and Karen Messenger, part-time technical support as needed. Collaborative efforts with faculty and staff in the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture at UNL. Partner organizations include Organic Crop Improvement Assoc., Nebraska Sustainable Ag. Society, and the National Agroforestry Center. TARGET AUDIENCES: Grain producers across the country are the primary target audience for the shelterbelt studies. NRCS personel are one of the primary users of the windbreak outreach series and over 750,000 publications have been distributed via the National Agroforestry Center and UNL over the last 20 years. Organic produces in the northern Great Plains are the primary target audience of the organic transition and cover crop studies, but the results are applicable to any producer interested in reducing the environmental impact of his/her agricultural operation. The project solicits input from over 100 organic producers in Nebraska as well as from our citizen advisory group. Findings from the project are incorporated into classroom activities in several courses. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
The development of the Healthy Farm Index continues and has the potential to change the methods of determining the value of non-crop habitat on farms. Results from the windbreak studies continue to support the value of wind protection to both soils and crops. Economic advantages to the producer are substantial yet adoption lags in the farm community.
Publications
- Hoagland, L., L. Hodges, G.A. Helmers, J.R. Brandle and C.A. Francis. 2010. Labor availability in an integrated agricultural system. J. Sust. Agric. 34:532-548.
- Quinn, J.E., J.R. Brandle, and R.J. Johnson (2009) Development of a healthy farm index to assess ecological, economic, and social function on organic and sustainable farms in Nebraskas four agroecoregions. In: A. Franzluebbers, ed., Farming with Grass: Achieving Sustainable Mixed Agricultural Landscapes. Pages 156-170.
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Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: A senior thesis project compared farmer attitudes toward field windbreaks with a similar study completed in 1984. Attitudes have not changed significantly, however there is a tendency to be a bit more pessimistic about the impacts of field windbreaks on the economic status of the farm operation. Long-term crop yields for wheat, corn, and soybean under sheltered and unsheltered conditions were collected in an effort to refine our definition of the role of woody plants in sustainable agricultural ecosystems. Long-term averages of 15% for wheat, 12% for corn and 17% for soybean were maintained. An additional 8 acres of land became certified as organic bringing the total certified acres to 45 acres. The final year of avian and vegetation sampling on 27 organic farms was completed. Two field days were held for local organic producers (15 to 20 folks attended each session). A mail survey was distributed to and collected from 110 Nebraska organic farmers as part of the Healthy Farm Index. The third year of a cover crop study associated with the organic system was completed. Data were collected and are being analyzed. As part of the organic team's effort, a renewal grant was submitted and funded. A more intensive cover crop study was initiated. Data from all of these studies are being incorporated into the project's Healthy Farm Index (HFI) and a second generation model is anticipated within the next year. Discussions of the HFI have been held with the USDA-NRCS and presented at two conferences. The index has received widespread local, national and international coverage. Findings from these studies have also been incorporated into two advanced level University classes, Agroforestry in Sustainable Agriculture and Agroecology. PARTICIPANTS: James R. Brandle, project leader, oversight of entire project. Bruce Bolander, Unit manager of the agroforestry area, provides day to day supervision of technical staff and conducts data collection. Mike Cieslik, Agricultural technician, carries out most of the farming operation and collects data. Katja Kohler-Cole, new Ph.D. graduate student, her project is undefined at this time. Ariana (Jones) Miller, MS student working on hackberry leaf-tatters, a stressor of windbreak trees. John Quinn, Ph.D student working on the HFI. Kimberly Tomczak, undergraduate student in Environmental Sciece completed a study and her senior thesis on changes in attitudes toward field windbreaks in eastern Nebraska. Charles and Karen Messenger, part-time technical support as needed. Collaborative efforts with faculty and staff in the Departments of Agronomy and Horticulture and Entomology at UNL. Partner organizations include Organic Crop Improvement Assoc., Nebraska Sustainable Ag. Society, and National Agroforestry Center. TARGET AUDIENCES: Organic produces in the northern Great Plains are the primary target audience of this study, but the results are applicable to any producer interested in reducing the environmental impact of his/her agricultural operation. The project solicits input from over 100 organic producers in Nebraska as well as from our citizen advisory group. Findings from the project are incorporated into classroom activities in several courses. The windbreak studies target any agricultural producer. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
The development of the Healthy Farm Index (HFI) continues to receive significant attention. Our work was presented in January 2009 at the National Conference on Science, Policy and the Environment in Washington, D.C. and again this fall at an international meeting for Farming Systems Design in Monterey CA resulting in several key contacts and several possible collaborative efforts. The index has the potential to impact how we evaluate various conservation practices in agroecosystems. Data from the first 3 years of the organic study provided the basis for a successful renewal grant. Increased frequency of discussion about biodiversity on farm systems has led to farmers become more aware of the value of non-crop habitat to their farm operation. Farmers have become more aware of how their activities (management) affect bird activity on their farms and their interest in planting beneficial plant species has increased. Farmer reaction to the value of wind protection led several of the producers to seek assistance in designing windbreak systems for their operations.
Publications
- Perry, M.E.L., W.H. Schacht, G.A. Ruark, and J.R. Brandle (2009) Tree canopy effect on grass and grass/legume mixtures in eastern Nebraska. Agroforestry Systems 77:23-35.
- Brandle, J.R., L. Hodges, J. Tyndal, and R.A Sudmeyer (2009) Windbreak Practices. In: Garrett, H.E., W.J. Rietveld, and R.F. Fisher (eds.) North American Agroforestry: An Integrated Science and Practice, 2nd edition, ASA, Madison, WI.
- Hygnstrom, S.E., S.J. Josiah, P.D. Skelton, J.A. Gilsdorf, D.R. Virchow, J.R. Brandle, A.K. Jayaprakash, K.M. Eskridge and K.C. VerCauteren. (2009) White-tailed deer browsing and rubbing preferences for trees and shrubs that produce non-timber forest products. HortTechnology 19:204-211.
- Puckett, H.L, J.R. Brandle, R.J. Johnson, and E.E. Blankenship (2009) Avian foraging patterns in crop field edges adjacent to woody habitat. Agriculture Ecosystems and Environment 131:9-15.
- Quinn, J.E., J.R. Brandle, and R.J. Johnson (2009) Development of a healthy farm index to assess ecological, economic,and social function on organic and sustainable farms in four agroecoregions in Nebraska. In: A. Franzluebbers, ed., Farming with Grass: Achieving Sustainable Mixed Agricultural Landscapes. Pages 156-170.
- Zhou, X.H., J.R. Brandle, C.W. Mize, and E.S. Takle (2008) Relationship of three-dimensional structure to shelterbelt function: A theoretical hypothesis. In: D.R. Batish, R.K. Kohli, S. Jose, and H.P. Singh (eds.) Ecological Basis of Agroforestry. Taylor & Francis, Boca Raton, FL. p. 273-285.
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Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Long-term crop yields for wheat, corn, soybean were collected under sheltered and unsheltered conditions and the data used to update the data base used in a windbreak evaluation model. 36 acres protected by windbreaks were certified for organic research. Two field days were held for local organic producers (20 to 25 persons attended each session). A survey of attitudes of citizens in and around Lincoln, Nebraska toward various agrotourism and agroforestry practices was completed and a MS thesis produced. During the second summer field season, 15 organic farms were surveyed for bird populations, insect populations and vegetative composition and the data entered into a data base. Land use and vegetation types of the area around each farm (within 5 km) were determined and entered into a GIS data base. The first generation of a healthy farm index, a measure of the environmental quality of organic farms, was completed and the results presented to a conference sponsored by the Soil and Water Conservation Society. The second year of a cover crop study was planted, yields determined, samples for soil nitrogen levels collected and submitted for analysis. PARTICIPANTS: James R. Brandle, project leader, oversight of entire project. Bruce Bolander, Unit manager of agroforestry area, provides day to day supervision of technical staff and conducts data collection. Mike Cieslik, Agricultural technician, carries out most of the farming operation and collects data, Katja Kohler-Cole, Graduate student, completed MS on the attitudes of Lincoln residents to various agrotourism and agroforestry practices. Ariana Jones, MS graduate student on leaf tatters in hackberry, completed first year of her study. John Quinn, Ph.D. graduate student working on the healthy farm index, completed second year of his study. Charles and Karen Messenger, part-time technical support. Collaborative efforts with faculty and staff in the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture at UNL. Partner organizations include Organic Crop Improvement Association and Nebraska Sustainable Agricultural Society. Three graduate student projects are supported. TARGET AUDIENCES: Primary target audience is the organic producers of Nebraska who participate in a number of ways. During the study 30 organic farms will be surveyed. A citizen advisory group made up of organic producers provides input into study topics. Sustainable agricultural producers are invited to field days. Findings from these projects are incorporated into classroom activites in several courses: Agroforestry, Agroecology, and Introduction to Forest Management. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
The development of the healthy farm index has received significant attention and the preliminary results were presented at a Soil and Water Conservation Society, October 20-22, 2008, in Okalhoma City, OK. The index has the potential to impact how we evaluate various conservation practices in agroecosystems. The comments from meeting participants provided valuable insights to improve the index. First year preliminary data on the use of cover crops in an organic/shelterbelt system prove valuable in designing a more comprehensive study. Farmer participants of a on-site field day provided several suggestions as well. Farmer reaction to the value of wind protection led several of the producers to seek assistance in designing windbreak systems for their operations.
Publications
- Mize, C., J. Brandle, M. Schoeneberger, and G. Bentrup. 2008. Ecological development and function of shelterbelts in temperate North America. Pp 27-54. In: Jose S., and Gordon A. (eds.) Toward Agroforestry Design: An Ecological Approach. Springer, The Netherlands.
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Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Results from this project were presented at an international meeting (Quebec) of agroforestry researchers and extension personnel (approximately 250 people). Results were also presented at an extension meeting to members of the Kansas Forest Service, farmers and homeowners in Washington, Kansas. A windbreak related extension guide was produced for the USDA-NRCS (30,000 copies) and distributed. This windbreak series consists of 11 different windbreak publications which have been distributed to all 50 states and over 30 countries since its inception. Approximately 750,000 copies have been distributed over the past 15 years. Two field days were held at the research site. Information from this project was used in two classes which I teach, Introduction to Forest Management and Agroforestry.
PARTICIPANTS: Research faculty: Dr. James R. Brandle, project leader, designed and conducted research, data collection and analysis, manuscript preparation, budget management and project oversight. Technical support: Mr. Bruce Bolander, Farm Manager and Research Technologist. Responsible for plot management and data collection. Provides recommendations on farm management. Mr. Mike Cieslik, Ag. Res. Tech. II. Responsible for day to day operation of the farm and research plots, and data collection. Makes recommendations on variety selection, equipment purchase and sequence of farm operation. Graduate Students: Ms. Heidi Puckett, MS student, graduated Dec 06. Her research focused on the feeding patterns of birds adjacent to windbreaks and riparian systems. Ms. Marcy Pummell, MS student, her work focuses on the attitude of farmers toward adopting bird friendly practices for biological control. Ms. Katja Cole, MS student, her work focuses on the attitude of urban residents on maintaining
agricultural land diversity adjacent to urban areas. Mr. John Quinn, Ph.D. student. John's research focuses on issues related to developing a healthy farm index as a means of quantifying the benefits of a diverse agricultual landscape incorporating windbreaks and riparian systems. Collaborators: Dr. Ron Johnson, Wildlife biologist, Clemson University. Dr. Carl Mize, Forester and modeler, Iowa State University. Dr. Eugene Takle, Meterologist and modeler for, Iowa State University. Dr. Steve Danielson, Entomologist, UNL. Dr. Erin Blankenship, Statistician, UNL
TARGET AUDIENCES: Information is provided to NRCS personnel as a means of influcencing the general agricultural producer population. Information is incorporated into a University level class on Agroforestry. Information is presented to peer audiences at professional meetings. Field days and presentations at Extension meetings are conducted on an annual basis.
Impacts
Results from this project were incorporated into an economic model of windbreak effects, WBECON, which is avaiable to the public. WBECON is designed to give farmers an estimate of the economic value of field windbreaks to their farm operation. Farmers enter data based on their operation. A typical field windbreak will take up to five percent of the land area and has a net present value of between $30,000 and $40,000 over the lifespan of the windbreak (typically 50 years). The model depends on the accuracy of the yield response data which has been gathered over the life of this project and its immediate predecessor. Data are also being used to verify a windbreak air flow model based on windbreak structure data collected as part of this project. Tree and shrub biomass data are preliminary but will be incorporated in estimates of the role of agroforestry practices in carbon storage studies.
Publications
- Mize, C.W., J. Colletti, W.Batchelor, J.S. Kim, E.S. Takle, and J.R. Brandle (2007) Modeling a field shelterbelt system with the shelterbelt agroforestry modeling system. In: D.R. Batish, R.K. Kohli, S. Jose, and H.P. Singh (eds.) Ecological Basis of Agroforestry. Taylor & Francis, Boca Raton, FL. p. 287-300.
- Sauer, T.J., C.A. Cambardella, and J.R. Brandle (2007) Soil carbon and tree litter dynamics in a red cedar-scotch pine shelterbelt. Agroforestry Systems 71:163-174.
- Dosskey, M.G., K.D. Hoagland, and J.R. Brandle (2007) Change in filter strip performance over ten years. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation 62 (1): 21-32.
- Zhou, X.H., J.R. Brandle, M.M. Schoeneberger, and T. Awada (2007) Developing above ground biomass equations for open-grown multiple-stemmed tree species: Shelterbelt grown Russian olive. Ecological Modeling 202:311-323.
- Brandle, J and B. Wight (2007) Windbreaks for Rural Living. EC1767, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, 6 pages.
- Zhou, X.H., J.R. Brandle, C.W. Mize, and E.S. Takle (2007) Relationship of three-dimensional structure to shelterbelt function: A theoretical hypothesis. In: D.R. Batish, R.K. Kohli, S. Jose, and H.P. Singh (eds.) Ecological Basis of Agroforestry. Taylor & Francis, Boca Raton, FL. p. 273-285.
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