Opportunities for Growing Short-Rotation Woody Crops in Agroforestry Practices

Authors

Gary A. Kuhn, NRCS Agroforester, National Agroforestry Center Western Office
W. J. Rietveld, National Agroforestry Center, East Campus-UNL, Lincoln, NE

Date of this Version

May 1998

Comments

Published by National Agroforestry Center, USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Station, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, East Campus – UNL, Lincoln, Nebraska 68583-0822.

Abstract

Technologies are readily available for growing hybrid poplars and willows in block plantings as short-rotation woody crops (SRWC) for fuel and fiber. SRWC species and technologies can also be incorporated into agricultural systems as agroforestry practices. Examples are windbreaks, living snowfences, “timberbelts”, riparian buffer strips, and wastewater treatment plantings. Fast growth, convenient propagation (see AF Note - 11), and compatibility with conventional farming methods make SRWC suitable for use in agroforestry practices to provide multiple benefits such as solid wood and wood fiber products, water quality improvement, crop and soil protection, wildlife habitat, and buffers for agricultural/community interfaces.