Source: UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS submitted to
MULTIFUNCTIONAL PERENNIAL CROPPING SYSTEMS FOR LOCAL FOOD AND BIOMASS PRODUCTION FOR SMALL FARMERS IN THE UPPER SANGAMON RIVER WATERSHED
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
TERMINATED
Funding Source
AFRI COMPETITIVE GRANT
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
1002543
Grant No.
2014-68006-22041
Project No.
ILLU-802-643
Proposal No.
2013-05106
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Program Code
A1601
Project Start Date
Aug 15, 2014
Project End Date
Aug 14, 2019
Grant Year
2014
Project Director
Lovell, S. T.
Recipient Organization
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
2001 S. Lincoln Ave.
URBANA,IL 61801
Performing Department
Crop Sciences
Non Technical Summary
Multifunctional Perennial Cropping Systems (MPCs) offer an opportunity to integrate multiple ecosystem services into the landscape, yet farmers lack tools to design, plan, and implement these systems to optimize the benefits. Our overall goal is to develop the information and tools to facilitate the transition to MPCs on "opportunity lands" of farms (lands marginal for conventional crops). These systems will be designed to provide alternative food and biomass products that would improve prosperity for small and medium-sized farms, while also providing ecosystem services such as wildlife habitat, biodiversity, and water quality. This project will be accomplished in the Upper Sangamon River Watershed (USRW) through five objectives: 1) identifying farmer/landowner preferences and behaviors related to MPCs, 2) mapping opportunity lands and market networks in the USRW, 3) developing and evaluating design alternatives for 16-20 participating small farms, 4) engaging students in the development of MPCs through existing courses, and 5) educating stakeholders about the benefits of MPCs.This project is one step in an ongoing effort to improve community health, food security, and quality of life for rural residents through combined agricultural and conservation activities. Our proposal supports the priority to "...achieve sustainable production in agroecosystems" by evaluating opportunities to provide multiple ecosystem services. The decision-support tools developed and tested in this proposal will empower small farmers to design agroecosystems with multiple benefits.
Animal Health Component
0%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
20%
Applied
80%
Developmental
0%
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
1252410107030%
2052410107030%
1312410107040%
Knowledge Area
205 - Plant Management Systems; 125 - Agroforestry; 131 - Alternative Uses of Land;

Subject Of Investigation
2410 - Cross-commodity research--multiple crops;

Field Of Science
1070 - Ecology;
Goals / Objectives
The long-term goal of our work is to increase prosperity for small farms and improve the rural quality of life and the provision of ecosystem services by reducing barriers to adoption of sustainable and viable perennial systems through agroecosystem planning tools. Our objective in this proposal is to develop the information, decision tools, and institutional capacity to facilitate the transition to multifunctional perennial cropping systems (MPCs) on “opportunity lands” of small farms, to provide alternative local food and biomass products. Our central hypothesis is that providing farmers with effective planning tools that enable economically viable MPC designs consistent with their preferences will increase the proportion of small farmers willing to implement MPCs. The use of a participatory process for agroecosystem planning will result in the implementation of MPCs that offer new products and enhance ecosystem services. Such decision support tools can help farmers overcome barriers to investing in sustainable systems by providing information needed to weigh the tradeoffs and synergies that become evident in alternative landscape scenarios. Our goal to increase prosperity for small farms and improve the provision of ecosystem services in rural communities through MPCs will be accomplished through the following: 1. Identify preferences, attitudes, opportunities, and adoption behaviors of farmers related to the integration and management of MPCs2. Identify and map the opportunity lands on farms in the USRW and map the market networks for local products harvested from MPCs3. Develop design scenarios with MPCs for 16-20 small farmers and 4 demonstration sites, and evaluate adoption rate and performance following implementation4. Engage students in the assessments, planning, and design of MPCs at multiple scales through new activities integrated into existing courses5. Share findings with farmers, landowners, agronomists, and students about the potential for MPCs on opportunity lands.
Project Methods
For step 1 of the project, survey instruments will be designed with the input of science and extension experts for distribution to landowners (10 acre parcels and larger) within the study site. A mixed-mode survey approach (mail and internet) will be used to increase response rates. A mail survey will be sent to a representative sample of landowners in the USRW owning parcels greater than 10 acres in size.The second step will be to identify and map "opportunity lands" (those marginal for row crop production) within the Upper Sangamon River Watershed in ArcGIS. Geospatial data layers will be gathered from publically accessible sources and from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Local market networks will be mapped as an extension of the existing and highly-successful program Illinois Market Maker, designed to connect consumers with producers. The maps will include market suppliers/producers, purchasers, and end-use consumer data (where available). The program will allow researchers to track activity over time and serve as a platform for connecting parts of the food system.As a third step, we will develop materials for envisioning and planning a site-specific scenario for each of 16-20 farms recruited. Farmers will be provided with alternative planting plans, visualizations, and economic assessments considering long term profits. Semi-structured interviews will be conducted with the farmers at the beginning of the process, and each year thereafter to assess outcomes. Performance of implemented designs will be evaluated based on yields/profit, visual quality, recreational value, plant biodiversity, and estimated soil erosion (using RUSLE).The forth step focuses on education - integrating the research and design into two existing courses. Through HORT 255 - Multifunctional Landscapes, students will collect baseline data for the site assessments using geospatial data layers. A second project will allow students to explore design alternatives for integrating MPCs on the farms based on information from the site assessments. In HORT 456 - Sustainable Landscape Design, students will learn basic skills for asset mapping and land use planning to support the healthy integration of diversified perennial cropping systems.Step 5 of the project will be to establish MPC demonstration plots at two locations in the USRW and two locations in other watersheds. The systems will be designed in collaboration with the site managers to ensure they fit the context and provide value. We will work with our Extension collaborators to transform the results of our work into appropriate tools and guidelines for farmers. Materials will be developed in formats appropriate for the small farm audience, and special attention will be given to the needs of under-represented groups.

Progress 08/15/14 to 08/14/19

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audiences for our efforts include landowners in the Upper Sangamon River Watershed who were recruited to participate in the design process, scientists and educators at regional, national, and international conferences, and regional farmer groups in Illinois including underrepresented groups such as women landowners. Changes/Problems:We have successfullly completed the primary objectives of this proposal, but the research and outputs could be extended with permission to use the remaining funds. We are requesting a no-cost extension, and also a transfer of funds to the University of Missouri (following the PI, Dr. Sarah Lovell). What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results have been shared with local foods interest groups, such as through: "Adopting Agroforestry in Central Illinois: Economic Opportunities and Challenges". Panel discussion, Illinois Farm Bureau Local-Regional Food Conference. November 6, 2018. Results have been shared with the scientific community and educators through: "USDA Resources for Agroforestry Research". Panel at North American Agroforestry Conference. Corvallis, OR. June 26, 2019 and through "Agroforestry Costs and Benefits: Information Sharing and Collaboration". Panel at North American Agroforestry Conference. Corvallis, OR. June 26, 2019. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?WE ARE REQUESTING A NO-COST EXTENSION AND TRANSFER OF FUNDS. We are requesting a no-cost extension in order to further the goals of this project. The original PI, Dr. Sarah Lovell, has accepted an appointment at University of Missouri, so several activities will be extended to that location if the funds are allowed to transfer. Objective 1 (Farmer Input/Adoption): A survey of landowners in Central Missouri will explore their preferences and adoption potential for a range of multifunctional perennial cropping systems. The potential for agroforestry will also be explored for the urban and peri-urban context. Objective 2 (Mapping): Suitability maps for perennial cropping systems will be developed for Central Missouri, particularly considering specific species of interest for agroforestry such as Chinese Chestnut, Pecan, Elderberry, and Aronia. Objective 3 (Design Scenarios): A food forest design will be developed for a typical one-acre urban site in Central Missouri, and we will explore the potential to integrate nut trees and berry shrubs along a greenway path. Objective 4 (Engage Students): The use of design scenarios and information on perennial cropping systems will be integrated into new courses that Dr. Lovell will teach at University of Missouri, including "Ecological Principles of Agroforestry" and "Ecosystem Management". Objective 5 (Share Findings): Findings from Objectives 1 and 2 (above) will be published in peer reviewed journals, such as Agroforestry Systems.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? INCLUDES ALL YEARS - SUMMARY Objective 1 (Farmer Input/Adoption): Survey instrument was developed, approved by IRB, tested with selected farmers, and entered in online and printed formats. The survey was delivered to a sample of farmers in the Upper Sangamon River Watershed. Analysis of survey results was performed using multivariate statistical methods to classify agricultural landowners into typologies and identify high potential adopters of MPCs. Characteristics of high potential adopters were highlighted to inform selection of landowners for custom farm design and planning. This information is also useful for targeting landowners in future implementation efforts for MPCs. Ex-post and ex-ante interview structure were developed and implemented to quantify/typify participants system preferences before, during, and after the design process. Landowner preferences for MPCs were identified through the interview and design process. Recommendations and improvements to be made to agricultural conservation programs were identified through landowner input. Objective 2 (Mapping): To begin the mapping process, several of the most relevant GIS data layers were collected and entered into a database in ArcMap. The database is stored on an external hard drive for future work in mapping marginal lands. To identify opportunity lands for MPCs, marginal land was defined by land characteristics that dictate higher risk and lower yield for row crops. The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) framework was carried out in ArcGIS to spatially define areas of high erosion in the watershed. As a next step, a suitability model was developed to include additional soil and land traits relevant to defining marginal land. The traits were weighted and ranked to produce a suitability map for MPCs in the watershed. This process was informed by the results of the landowner adoption survey and expert opinion. A scenario was modeled in which the highest suitable "opportunity land" was converted to MPCs, and it demonstrated a reduction in sediment and nutrient loss in the watershed. The mapping of suitability for MPCs was completed, and the results will be published in a peer reviewed article in Journal of Soil and Water Conservation (see 2018 report, publications). Objective 3 (Design Scenarios): Forty-six land owners/farmers with high potential for MPCs adoption were identified (based on survey results) to be contacted with a letter of interest for involvement in the design process. To accompany the letter, an information brochure was created to aid in farmer/land owner understanding of the species, design, and markets of MPCs. Both the letter of interest and brochure were approved by the IRB for use in this study. Fifteen landowners agreed to work through the design process and consider the adoption of MPCs. Landowners were interviewed initially to gauge their interest, further explain the nature of the systems, and to identify marginal lands. Each landowner then had three unique planting plans created for their land following one of the following alternative planting scenarios: production, conservation, cultural. The designs were visualized using Photoshop rendering and summarized with a plant count sheet to show the landowner the various options. Landowners and MPCs experts provided feedback on the designs that were used to improve the designs. A MPCs guide was creating to accompany the designs with detailed information on species, economic assessments, management, and environmental impact of MPCs. The designs were sent out to landowners along with a MPCs guide to give the landowners the information necessary to make an informed decision on the adoption of MPCs. The research on design materials was summarized in the MS thesis of Erik Stanek, and shared in two journal articles submitted accepted for publication (see publications). Design scenarios have been shared with additional landowner groups, educators, and natural resource professionals to share the process and potential for further development. Objective 4 (Engage Students): Throughout the project, several students were hired to assist with the design process of MPCs. A landscape architecture graduate student helped assist with the visualization of MPCs designs. An Agricultural Economics undergraduate student helped build basic economic assessments of various MPCs for use in the MCPs guide provided to landowners. A new course, HORT 475 - Permaculture & Agroforestry, was developed and offered for the first time in fall 2016. The class attracted 11 students, and the offering for fall 2017 filled to the capacity of 15 students. Concepts related to the landscape design process and use of perennial cropping systems were integrated into the course, HORT 361 - Small Fruit production, in 2018. Working in groups, students developed design alternatives for case study farms that included productive agroforestry and other perennial cropping systems. Objective 5 (Share Findings): An introduction to the project was shared at multiple venues including a workshop at Green Lands Blue Waters Conference, a presentation at the Water Conference at the University of Illinois, and several local meetings. Our group has presented the results at several conferences, including the North American Agroforestry Conference in each year. A summary of the project has been shared with the Extension Educators group, as well as with a number of local organizations. The Agroforestry for Food field site continues to attract a large number of visitors, including those specifically attending field tours at the site, and those visiting as one stop on a broader tour of projects at the field research station. The site has been included for a group of the University of Illinois President's Fellows and for a USDA audit, as well as other groups. The project was also selected for the Annual U.S. Congressional Research Exhibition in Washington, DC.

Publications

  • Type: Book Chapters Status: Accepted Year Published: 2020 Citation: Lovell, S.T., Bentrup, G. and Stanek, E. 2020. Agroforestry at the landscape level. New Chapter invited for the 3rd Edition of North American Agroforestry: An Integrated Science and Practice. This book serves as a primary agroforestry textbook for educational programs in the U.S. and much of the temperate region (In Press).
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Stanek, E. and Lovell, S.T. 2019. Building multifunctionality into agricultural conservation programs: Lessons learned from designing agroforestry systems with central Illinois landowners. Accepted for publication in Renewable Agriculture & Food Systems.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2019 Citation: Stanek, E., Lovell, S.T. and Reisner, A. 2019. Designing multifunctional woody polycultures according to landowner preferences. Accepted for publication in Agroforestry Systems.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Lovell, S.T. and Bentrup, G. 2019. A landscape perspective for agroforestry planning. North American Agroforestry Conference. Corvallis, OR.
  • Type: Books Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: The guidebook Perennial Pathways: Planting Tree Crops was published and made freely available to landowners interested in transitioning to perennial systems. It is now offered through Savanna Institute at: http://www.savannainstitute.org/resources.html.


Progress 08/15/17 to 08/14/18

Outputs
Target Audience:Members of the target audience included landowners in the Upper Sangamon River Watershed who were recruited for participation in the surveys, scientists at regional, national, and international conferences, and regional farmer groups in Illinois, including underrepresented groups such as women landowners. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This project has provided professional development for the Graduate Research Assistant, Erik Stanek. Specific examples include: Poster Presentation. Multifunctional perennial cropping systems: design and implementation for central Illinois landowners. The Fourth Annual International Food Security at Illinois Symposium (2018). Urbana, IL. Teaching Experience. Guest Lecturer presentation on research for three classes at UIUC: IAGE Costa Rica: Environment & Society, AGCM 220: Communicating Agriculture, and AGCM 330: Environmental Communications. Poster Presentation. Multifunctional perennial cropping systems: Design and implementation for central Illinois landowners. iSEE Congress 2017. Urbana, IL. Graduate Research Seminar, Urbana, IL. September 2018:Multifunctional Perennial Cropping Systems: Design and Implementation for Central Illinois Landowners. Oral presentation of research findings to the Heart of The Sangamon River Ecosystem Partnership in July 2018. Developing skills in Photoshop, InDesign, and landscape planning to develop unique designs for 15 landowners and a 100 page MPCs guide. This project has provided informal training to UIUC students through work on the design and analysis of MPCs for landowners. Specific examples include agraduate student in Landscape Architecture who assisted with building photo-visualizations of each MPCs design for landowners and materials for the MPCs guide. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?A field day was conducted on Sunday, July 20th with landowner participants of this study to showcase and help explain the design, management, and potential of MPCs in Central Illinois. Meeting were conducted with both NRCS agents (Champaign and Piatt County), the Soil and Water Conservation District of Ford County, and UIUC Extension educators to help explain the use of MPCs for the further integration into each group's outreach activities. A presentation was given at The Heart of The Sangamon River Ecosystem Partnership, an organization of people closely associated with the findings of this research. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Under Objective 1 (Farmer input/adoption) we will establish four or five field trials with landowners involved with the design process to test the implications of MPCs. Under Objective 5 (Share findings) we planto publish the findings of the study in two journals: Agroforestry Systems and Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Objective 1 (farmer input/adoption): Ex-post and ex-ante interview structure has been developed to quantify/typify participants system preferences before, during, and after the design process. Landowner preferences for MPCs were identified through the interview and design process. Recommendations and improvements to be made to agricultural conservation programs were identified through landowner input. Objective 2 (mapping): The mapping of suitability for MPCs was completed, and the results will be published in a peer reviewed article in Journal of Soil and Water Conservation (see publications). Objective 3 (design scenarios): The research on design materials was summarized in the MS thesis of Erik Stanek, as well as in two journal articles submitted for review (see publications). Moving forward, four or five of the landowners will participate in field trials of their designs to assess the implications of the adoption of their preferred design. Objective 4 (engage students): Two students were hired to assist with the design process of MPCs. A landscape architecture graduate student helped assist with the visualization of MPCs designs. An Agricultural Economics undergraduate student helped build basic economic assessments of various MPCs for use in the MCPs guide provided to landowners. HORT 475 - Permaculture & Agroforestry, established in Fall 2016 was continued for a second year in fall of 2017. Objective 5 (share findings): Field tours of our Agroforestry for Food site have been quite popular, even beyond the typical audience of sustainable farmers. The site has been included for a group of the University of Illinois President's Fellows and for a USDA audit, as well as other groups.The project was also selected for the Annual U.S. Congressional Research Exhibition in Washington DC. A new website was launched to promote the research and provide general information on perennial cropping systems: http://www.agroforestry4food.com/.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2018 Citation: Mattia, C.M., Lovell, S.T. and Fraterrigo, J.M. 2018. Identifying marginal land for multifunctional perennial cropping systems in the Upper Sangamon River Watershed, Illinois. Accepted for publication in: Journal of Soil and Water Conservation. Available online soon.
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2018 Citation: Stanek, E. 2018. The design and implementation of multifunctional woody polycultures: Landowner preferences and pathways to improve agricultural conservation.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Submitted Year Published: 2018 Citation: Stanek, E., Lovell, S.T. and Reisner, A. 2018. Designing multifunctional woody polycultures according to landowner preferences in Central Illinois. Agroforestry Systems. Under Review.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Stanek, E. and Lovell, S.T. 2017. Productive agroforestry design preferences of landowners in Central Illinois. Ecological Society of America. Portland, OR.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Submitted Year Published: 2018 Citation: Stanek, E. and Lovell, S.T. 2018. Building multifunctionality into agricultural conservation programs: Lessons learned from designing agroforestry systems with Central Illinois landowners. Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems. Under Review.


Progress 08/15/16 to 08/14/17

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audiences for our efforts include landowners in the Upper Sangamon River Watershed who were recruited for participation in the interviews, scientists at regional, national, and international conferences, and regional farmer groups in Illinois, including underrepresented groups such as women landowners. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This project has provided profession development for the Graduate Research Assistant, Erik Stanek. Specific examples include: Developing skills in Photoshop, InDesign, and Landscape planning to develop unique designs for 15 landowners and a 100 page MPCs guide. Professional development by organizing, planning, and carrying out interviews (ex-ante and ex-post) for exploring MPCs use and landowners motivators and barriers of 15 landowners in Central Illinois. The presentation of "Productive agroforestry design preferences of land owners in Central Illinois" at theNorth American Agroforestry Conference. This project has provided informal training to UIUC students through work on the design and analysis of MPCs for landowners. Specific examples include: A graduate student in Landscape Architecture assisted with building photo-visualizations of each MPCs design for landowners and materials for the MPCs guide. An undergraduate student assisted with building economic assessments of MPCs for use in the MCPs guide for landowners. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Meetings were conducted with both NRCS agents (Champaign and Piatt County), Soil and Water Conservation District (Ford County), and UIUC Extension workers to help explain the use of MPCs for the further integration into each groups outreach activities. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Objective 1 (Farmer input/adoption): Establishment of 4 to 5 field trials with landowners involved with the design process to test the implications of MPCs. Objective 2 (Mapping): Goal Complete Objective 3 (Design scenarios): Goal Complete. Objective 4 (Engage students): We will be utilizing materials developed during the MPCs design process in further courses on agroforestry topics. Objective 5 (Share findings): 1. Plan to publish the mapping study in the Journal of Soil and Water Conservation; 2. Provide the results of the mapping study to appropriate outreach groups; 3. The MPCs guide will be publishedfor use on the website www.Agroforestry4Food.com; 4. A field day is planned for July 30th, 2017 to help show landowners involved in the study how these systems can be established and managed; 5. We plan to publish design preferences, adoption potential, and barriers and motivators results in agroforestry systems; 6. We plan to publish the design process and unique workflow of building MPCs for landowners in a landscape design or ecology journal; and 7. Presentation of results at ESA, Tri-society meeting, and UIUC Crop Sciences Graduate Seminar.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Objective 1 (farmer input/adoption): Ex-post and ex-ante interviews were conducted to quantify/typify participants system preferences before, during, and after the design process. Objective 2 (mapping): To identify opportunity lands for MPCs, marginal land was defined by land characteristics that dictate higher risk and lower yield for row crops. The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) framework was carried out in ArcGIS to spatially define areas of high erosion in the watershed. Next, a suitability model was developed to include additional soil and land traits relevant to defining marginal land. The traits were weighted and ranked to produce a suitability map for MPCs in the watershed. This process was informed by the results of the landowner adoption survey and expert opinion. A scenario was modeled in which the highest suitable "opportunity land" was converted to MPCs, and it demonstrated a reduction in sediment and nutrient loss in the watershed. Objective 3 (design scenarios): Fifteen landowners agreed to work through the design process and consider the adoption of MPCs. Landowners were interviewed initially to gauge their interest, further explain the nature of the systems, and to identify marginal lands. Each landowner then had three unique planting plans created for their land following one of the following alternative planting scenarios: production, conservation, cultural. The designs were visualized using Photoshop rendering and summarized with a plant count sheet to show the landowner the various options. Landowners and MPCs experts provided feedback on the designs that were used to improve the designs. A MPCs guide was creating to accompany the designs with detailed information on species, economic assessments, management, and environmental impact of MPCs. The designs were sent out to landowners along with a MPCs guide to give the landowners the information necessary to make an informed decision on the adoption of MPCs. Follow-up interviews were conducted on site with the landowners to discuss the designs, gauge adoption potential and motivators/barriers, and to help assist with further MPCs related tasks. Moving forward, 4 to 5 of the landowners will participate in field trials of their designs to assess the implications of the adoption of their preferred design. Objective 4 (engage students): Two students were hired to assist with the design process of MPCs. A landscape architecture graduate student helped assist with the visualization of MPCs designs. An Agricultural Economics undergraduate student helped build basic economic assessments of various MPCs for use in the MCPs guide provided to landowners. A new course, HORT 475 - Permaculture & Agroforestry, was offered for the first time in fall 2016. The class attracted 11 students, and the offering for fall 2017 has filled to the capacity of 15 students. Objective 5 (share findings): Our group has presented the results at several conferences, and we have given field tours of sites that demonstrate the MPCs concept. A new website was launched to promote the research and provide general information on perennial cropping systems: http://www.agroforestry4food.com/.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Mattia, C.M., Lovell, S.T. and Davis, A. 2016. Identifying barriers and motivators for adoption of multifunctional perennial cropping systems by landowners in the Upper Sangamon River Watershed, Illinois. Agroforestry Systems. doi: 10.1007/s10457-016-0053-6.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Stanek, E., Lovell, S.T. and Mattia, C. 2017. Productive agroforestry design preferences of land owners in Central Illinois. North American Agroforestry Conference. Blacksburg, VA.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Lovell, S.T., Mattia, C., Stanek, E. and Wilson, M. 2016. Exploring the potential for Multifunctional Perennial Cropping Systems on marginal lands. Ecological Society of America. Fort Lauderdale, FL.


Progress 08/15/15 to 08/14/16

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audiences for our efforts include landowners in the Upper Sangamon River Watershed who were recruited for participation in the surveys, scientists at regional, national, and international conferences, and regional farmer groups in Illinois. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project has provided professional development for the Graduate Research Assistant, Chloe Mattia. Specific examples include: 1. Graduate Research Seminar, Urbana, IL. April 2016. Research seminar: "Identifying barriers and incentives for agroforestry adoption by landowners in Central Illinois", Presenter: Chloe Mattia. 2. Illinois GIS Association Annual Conference, Springfield, IL. September 2015. Lightning Talk: "Mapping opportunity lands for multifunctional perennial polycultures in Central Illinois". Presenter: Chloe Mattia. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results have been disseminated to communities of interest primarily through presentations and meetings such as: 1. Chicago Farmers Forum, Joliet, IL. March 2016. Session Presentation: "Introduction to Multifunctional Perennial Polycultures for Temperate Agroforestry". Presenter: Chloe Mattia. 2. Heart of the Sangamon River Ecosystem Partnership Meeting, Decatur, IL. October 2015. Project presentation: "Understanding adoption preferences and barriers for Multifunctional perennial polycultures in Central Illinois". Presenter: Chloe Mattia. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Objective 1 (Farmer Input/Adoption): Publish results of farmer adoption study and present at USDA meeting. Objective 2 (Mapping): Perform the RUSLE analysis in GIS and include other criteria for mapping marginal lands (soil type, field size, etc.) Run different scenarios for land use to consider imacts on the watershed. Objective 3 (Design Scenarios): Interview interested landowners and gather information on current land use, design preferences, and market potential. Develop several example designs to share with participating farmers to focus on bioenergy, fruit/nut crops, timber crops, or other options. Objective 4 (Engage Students): HORT 475 - Permaculture & Agroforestry course will be taught in the fall with emphasis on designing multifunctional perennial cropping systems into the landscape. Objective 5 (Share indings): Our group will continue to share our findings at meetings including Green Lands Blue Waters conference, Ecological Society of America, and others.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Objective 1 (Farmer Input/Adoption): Analysis of survey results was performed using multivariate statistical methods to classify agricultural landowners into typologies and identify high potential adopters of MPCs. Characteristics of high potential adopters were highlighted to inform selection of landowners for custom farm design and planning. This information is also useful for targeting landowners in future implementation efforts for MPCs. Ex-post and ex-ante interview structure has begun to be developed to quantify/typify participants system preferences before, during, and after the design process. Objective 2 (Mapping): The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) framework, implemented in GIS, has been selected as the method for identifying marginal land in the USRW. Designing the methodology for performing the RUSLE analysis in GIS for the USRW is underway. Objective 3 (Design Scenarios): Forty-six land owners/farmers with high potential for MPCs adoption were identified (based on survey results) to be engaged with a letter of interest for involvement in the design process. To accompany the letter, an information brochure was created to aid in farmer/land owner understanding of the species, design, and markets of MPCs. Both the letter of interest and brochure were approved by the IRB for use in this study. Objective 4 (Engage Students): In the spring course HORT 361 - Small Fruit Production, students completed group projects in which they designed perennial cropping systems with trees/shrubs that produce edible fruits and nuts. Course development activities for an upcoming course, HORT 475 - Permaculture & Agroforestry, have included a project to design a farm with perennial cropping systems. Objective 5 (Share Findings): The members of our research team have engaged in a number of activities to share results, including conferences, workshops, and regional meetings.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Mattia, C.M. and Lovell, S.T. 2016. Identifying barriers and gateways for agroforestry adoption in the U.S. Corn Belt. 3rd European Agroforestry Conference. May 23-25, Montpellier, France.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Lovell, S.T. 2016. Designing agricultural landscapes based on a framework of multifunctionality and input from stakeholders. Featured speaker in the symposium on: The Intersection of Agriculture and Wild Areas  Management of Non-Crop Vegetation in Farmland. Weed Science Society of America. Puerto Rico. February 2016.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2016 Citation: Lovell, S.T., Mattia, C., Stanek, E. and Wilson, M. 2016. Exploring the potential for Multifunctional Perennial Cropping Systems on marginal lands. Ecological Society of America. Fort Lauderdale, FL.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Submitted Year Published: 2017 Citation: Mattia, C.M., Lovell, S.T. and Davis, A. 2017. Identifying barriers and motivators for adoption of multifunctional perennial cropping systems by landowners in the Upper Sangamon River Watershed. Submitted to Agroforestry Systems.


Progress 08/15/14 to 08/14/15

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audiences during this reporting period were Extension agents, farmers with small land holdings, beginning farmers, and scientists working on perennial systems. Changes/Problems:The project has no major changes/problems in the approach. The only minor change is in the specific courses that will be used to engage students in the project, but the educational effort will be equivalent. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This project provided professional development through participation at the North American Agroforestry Conference. The PI also shared a project update with Extension Educators in Illinois. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Nothing Reported What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?During the next reporting period, we plan to work on each objective. Objective 1. Analyze survey results, summarize overall findings, draft a journal article. Objective 2. Focus on methods to accurately map marginal lands and develop high resolution maps to use in the design phase (Obj 3). Objective 3. Recruit a new PhD student who will work directly on the design scenarios for 16-20 farmers in the following 3 years. Objective 4. Introduce students to multifunctional perennial crops in "Small Fruit Production" and "Designing Urban Agriculture" courses. Develop detailed course materials for "Permaculture & Agroforestry". Objective 5. Share findings at meetings and conferences, including Ecological Society of America.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Objective 1 (farmer input/adoption): Survey instrument was developed, approved by IRB, tested with selected farmers, and entered in online and printed formats. Survey was delivered to a sample of farmers in the Upper Sangamon River Watershed, and results have been collected for analysis. Objective 2 (mapping): Several of the most relevant GIS data layers have been collected and entered into a database in ArcMap. The database is stored on an external hard drive for future work in mapping marginal lands. Objective 3 (scenarios): One landowner/farm was used to test the protocol for developing design scenarios. Materials included alternative plans with graphic representations for the specific location and landowner preferences. Based on the outcomes, a revised protocol will be developed for working with future farmers. We have begun to identify interested small farmers in the Upper Sangamon River Watershed through the survey, local farmer meetings, and other forms of communication. Objective 4 (engage students): Changes in the curriculum within our department will require some modification of the original plan. We have developed new course plans or revisions that will include opportunities for engaging students in assessments, design, and planning. The courses that will contribute to this objective include: "Permaculture & Agroforestry", "Designing Urban Agriculture", and "Small Fruit Production". In particular, "Permaculture & Agroforestry" will have students develop plans to integrate multifunctional perennial cropping systems on farms. Objective 5 (share findings). An introduction to the project has been shared at multiple venues including a workshop at Green Lands Blue Waters Conference, a presentation at the Water Conference at the University of Illinois, and several local meetings.

Publications

  • Type: Websites Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: http://multifunctionallandscape.com/Farm_Planning.html
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Lovell, S.T. 2014. Multifunctional perennial cropping systems for the Upper Sangamon River Watershed. Illinois Water Conference. Champaign, IL. October 2014.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Lovell, S.T. 2014. Multifunctional Perennial Cropping Systems Design Charrette. Green Lands Blue Waters 2014 Conference, Biomass and Sustainable Agriculture. Nov 18-20, 2014.
  • Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Littleton, P. Multifunctional Perennial Landscape: Small Farm Design in the Upper Sangamon River Watershed. MS thesis in Landscape Architecture. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.