More evidence that we don't know enough to know what we don't know when it comes to how to combat "global warming."
Wildfires May Improve Forests' Ability to Sequester Carbon
When saving trees means less carbon storage
By Keren Blankfeld Schultz
Wildfires wreaked havoc across southern California last year, resulting in billions of dollars in irreparable damage. Not surprisingly, land managers and agencies this season have mobilized fire crews and equipment to stop the flames before they spread. In the meantime, however, researchers studying the amount of carbon that forests and vegetation harbor have stumbled on a finding that presents an added quandary to fire management: suppressing fires means that less carbon is stored in trees.
The team, led by Michael L. Goulden of the University of California, Irvine, compared the...(complete article here).
Showing posts with label trees. Show all posts
Showing posts with label trees. Show all posts
Friday, August 1, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
New Gulfcrimson Peach Variety Released
If we are truly seeing long-term shifts in weather patterns that result in warmer winters, this new variety of peach could be an important economic variety for growers -- particularly in the southern U.S.
ARS Releases Gulfcrimson Peach to Nurseries
By Sharon Durham
July 23 , 2008
A new peach variety that requires less winter chilling will give growers in the southeastern lower coastal plain an edge--and consumers a more reliable supply--of early summertime peaches.
The new variety, called...(complete news release here).
ARS Releases Gulfcrimson Peach to Nurseries
By Sharon Durham
July 23 , 2008
A new peach variety that requires less winter chilling will give growers in the southeastern lower coastal plain an edge--and consumers a more reliable supply--of early summertime peaches.
The new variety, called...(complete news release here).
Thursday, April 24, 2008
National Arbor Day
National Arbor Day is Friday, April 25th. Celebrate by planting a tree.
Each state sets its own Arbor Day. The Arbor Day Foundation is a great source of information and source of trees.
Each state sets its own Arbor Day. The Arbor Day Foundation is a great source of information and source of trees.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Forestry Research
Our government at work handing out dollars.
AGRICULTURE SECRETARY SCHAFER AWARDS MORE THAN $4.1 MILLION FOR USE IN WOODY BIOMASS DEVELOPMENT
Federal grants support the Healthy Forests Restoration Act, reducing wildfire risk and providing economic incentives to rural communities
WASHINGTON, DC, March 7, 2008 -- Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer today announced...(complete article here).
AGRICULTURE SECRETARY SCHAFER AWARDS MORE THAN $4.1 MILLION FOR USE IN WOODY BIOMASS DEVELOPMENT
Federal grants support the Healthy Forests Restoration Act, reducing wildfire risk and providing economic incentives to rural communities
WASHINGTON, DC, March 7, 2008 -- Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer today announced...(complete article here).
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Poplar Pollution Power
Phytoremediation by transgenic poplars.
Fighting pollution the poplar way: Trees to clean up Indiana site
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue University researchers are collaborating with Chrysler LLC in a project to use poplar trees to eliminate pollutants from a contaminated site in north-central Indiana.
The researchers plan to plant transgenic poplars at the site, a former oil storage facility near Kokomo, Ind., this summer. In a laboratory setting, the transgenic trees have been shown to be capable of absorbing trichloroethylene, or TCE, and other pollutants before processing them into harmless byproducts.
Richard Meilan, a Purdue associate professor, is currently at work to transform one variety of poplar suited to...(complete article here).
I struggle a bit with genetic engineering but this is one area that I believe is probably a legitimate application.
Fighting pollution the poplar way: Trees to clean up Indiana site
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue University researchers are collaborating with Chrysler LLC in a project to use poplar trees to eliminate pollutants from a contaminated site in north-central Indiana.
The researchers plan to plant transgenic poplars at the site, a former oil storage facility near Kokomo, Ind., this summer. In a laboratory setting, the transgenic trees have been shown to be capable of absorbing trichloroethylene, or TCE, and other pollutants before processing them into harmless byproducts.
Richard Meilan, a Purdue associate professor, is currently at work to transform one variety of poplar suited to...(complete article here).
I struggle a bit with genetic engineering but this is one area that I believe is probably a legitimate application.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Are We Really Losing Forests?
This is a good example of the difficulties in assessing global issues accurately. There is little or no standardization of sampling techniques between various entities that have collected data such as deforestation. Probably the most accurate assessment will be from satellite-based imaging systems.
Do urban plantings count as offsets to deforestation of natural woodlands? If the goal in such studies is ultimately to estimate carbon sequestration -- or release -- is there any accurate way to measure all of the factors? I planted around 80 windbreak trees in the last couple of years. I know that it is less than a drop-in-the-bucket, but how many others around the world did the same? Are such things measured? What is the impact of low-tillage farming techniques? More plant residue is left in the ground under such techniques thus locking away the carbon and releasing less by minimal disturbance of the soil. How do you measure that impact?
'No clear trend' in forest loss
By Richard Black
Environment correspondent, BBC News website
Data on tropical forest cover is so poor that we do not know if the forests are declining, a study has found.
Alan Grainger from the UK's University of Leeds examined UN analyses going back almost 30 years, and found that "evidence for a decline is unclear".
Writing in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), he proposes a global forest monitoring system.
The UN admits there are problems with the data, but...(complete article here).
Do urban plantings count as offsets to deforestation of natural woodlands? If the goal in such studies is ultimately to estimate carbon sequestration -- or release -- is there any accurate way to measure all of the factors? I planted around 80 windbreak trees in the last couple of years. I know that it is less than a drop-in-the-bucket, but how many others around the world did the same? Are such things measured? What is the impact of low-tillage farming techniques? More plant residue is left in the ground under such techniques thus locking away the carbon and releasing less by minimal disturbance of the soil. How do you measure that impact?
'No clear trend' in forest loss
By Richard Black
Environment correspondent, BBC News website
Data on tropical forest cover is so poor that we do not know if the forests are declining, a study has found.
Alan Grainger from the UK's University of Leeds examined UN analyses going back almost 30 years, and found that "evidence for a decline is unclear".
Writing in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), he proposes a global forest monitoring system.
The UN admits there are problems with the data, but...(complete article here).
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Water Trees in Winter
Most of us don’t think about the fact that trees need water during the winter. They drop their leaves and go into an apparent dormant state, so we tend to forget about them. What we don’t realize is that beneath the ground there is still plenty of activity going on. The roots continue to grow throughout the winter and need adequate water to survive.
There are few outward signs of drought stress on deciduous trees during the winter. During months when they have leaves, drought is noticeable because of leaf yellowing, wilting, curling at edges, brown tips, and dropping leaves. During the winter though, there are no leaves to act as drought indicators. Evergreens on the other hand, may turn yellow, red or purple. They also may turn brown at the tips of the needles and the browning may progress through the needle towards the twig.
Often times, drought stress may not kill a tree outright but it will set it up for more serious secondary disease and insect infestations in following years. To insure a good growing season, care must be taken to supplement the water needs of the trees throughout the year.
Trees should be watered to a depth of about twelve inches below the soil surface. The soil should be saturated within the drip line which is the area out to the outer edges of the trees branches. This will ensure that water is dispersed to all of the roots. On evergreens, water should be distributed 3 to 5 feet beyond the drip line on all sides of the tree.
Trees should be watered slowly to make certain that it penetrates to an adequate depth. Watering quickly often does not allow for penetration to sufficient depth. Shallow watering means a shallow root system. Trees will be better drought tolerant and resist wind better with a deep root system.
It is not recommended that you dig holes near the tree in order to get deeper water penetration. The holes allow more air to reach the roots and thus dry the soil more quickly. Use a soil needle or deep root feeder to apply water at a depth. Overhead spraying of trees is an inefficient way to apply water. Watering at ground level is a much more efficient application method.
As a general rule of thumb, trees need approximately 10 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter for each watering. They will need this much water 3 – 4 times per month during April through September and 1 – 2 times per month from October through March. Newly planted trees may need even more water. Soil types and conditions as well as temperature and humidity affect the requirements.
Different species of trees have different water requirements. Drought hardy trees require much less water than species that are native to areas with high rainfall. Consult a qualified nurseryman or your local soil and water conservationist for guidelines on specific trees. The National Arbor Day Foundation also is an excellent resource for guidelines on tree care and management.
Use of mulch is recommended as a water conservation tool for trees. Wood chips, shredded bark, leaves, or evergreen needles make good mulch. They should be piled to a depth of about four inches. Mulch should be pulled away from the tree trunk for a distance of about 6 inches.
Do not fertilize trees during times when they are drought stressed. Fertilizers contain salts that may burn the roots of your trees if there is inadequate water to dilute it. The damage from the fertilizer may actually slow the trees growth rather than stimulate it as expected. Only fertilize during periods when adequate water is available.
Winter is a great time to get your trees off to a healthy start for the next year’s growing season. Adequate water is the foundation of that healthy start.
There are few outward signs of drought stress on deciduous trees during the winter. During months when they have leaves, drought is noticeable because of leaf yellowing, wilting, curling at edges, brown tips, and dropping leaves. During the winter though, there are no leaves to act as drought indicators. Evergreens on the other hand, may turn yellow, red or purple. They also may turn brown at the tips of the needles and the browning may progress through the needle towards the twig.
Often times, drought stress may not kill a tree outright but it will set it up for more serious secondary disease and insect infestations in following years. To insure a good growing season, care must be taken to supplement the water needs of the trees throughout the year.
Trees should be watered to a depth of about twelve inches below the soil surface. The soil should be saturated within the drip line which is the area out to the outer edges of the trees branches. This will ensure that water is dispersed to all of the roots. On evergreens, water should be distributed 3 to 5 feet beyond the drip line on all sides of the tree.
Trees should be watered slowly to make certain that it penetrates to an adequate depth. Watering quickly often does not allow for penetration to sufficient depth. Shallow watering means a shallow root system. Trees will be better drought tolerant and resist wind better with a deep root system.
It is not recommended that you dig holes near the tree in order to get deeper water penetration. The holes allow more air to reach the roots and thus dry the soil more quickly. Use a soil needle or deep root feeder to apply water at a depth. Overhead spraying of trees is an inefficient way to apply water. Watering at ground level is a much more efficient application method.
As a general rule of thumb, trees need approximately 10 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter for each watering. They will need this much water 3 – 4 times per month during April through September and 1 – 2 times per month from October through March. Newly planted trees may need even more water. Soil types and conditions as well as temperature and humidity affect the requirements.
Different species of trees have different water requirements. Drought hardy trees require much less water than species that are native to areas with high rainfall. Consult a qualified nurseryman or your local soil and water conservationist for guidelines on specific trees. The National Arbor Day Foundation also is an excellent resource for guidelines on tree care and management.
Use of mulch is recommended as a water conservation tool for trees. Wood chips, shredded bark, leaves, or evergreen needles make good mulch. They should be piled to a depth of about four inches. Mulch should be pulled away from the tree trunk for a distance of about 6 inches.
Do not fertilize trees during times when they are drought stressed. Fertilizers contain salts that may burn the roots of your trees if there is inadequate water to dilute it. The damage from the fertilizer may actually slow the trees growth rather than stimulate it as expected. Only fertilize during periods when adequate water is available.
Winter is a great time to get your trees off to a healthy start for the next year’s growing season. Adequate water is the foundation of that healthy start.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Christmas Trees for the Panhandle
I’ve always been fascinated with Christmas trees. I prefer a fresh cut tree rather than an artificial one, but because of allergies, it is artificial at our house. To be able to go out and cut a tree in the woods and bring it home for Christmas is something that would be a wonderful family outing. In the plains of West Texas it is something that is highly unlikely.
My fascination with Christmas trees has led to an interest in Christmas tree farming. It is not something that you typically see in the Texas Panhandle, but there are tree farms even in this part of the world. Large-scale farms in our area are unlikely because of the necessary expense of irrigating the trees and the low-density population base within a short distance. The trees would need to be transported to large population centers for sale. We have a decided economic disadvantage to areas of the country with higher levels of precipitation.
I do believe that small-scale tree farms geared to individuals who want the experience of cutting their own tree could be profitable. They would need to be located within a short driving distance of the larger cities in the area. It also would be desirable to enhance the experience by providing hay rides or special events during the tree cutting season prior to Christmas.
Many species of pine that make beautiful Christmas trees grow well in our area. Both Afghan and Austrian pines can be sheared and tipped to provide the classic shape most desired by those who prefer a fresh-cut tree. They do require significant amounts of water in order to grow fairly quickly.
When provided with sufficient water and proper soil nutrients, a 2-year old seedling can reach heights of 5 to 6 feet within a 4 to 5 year period. This means that there would be significant capital investment as well as time and labor before a sellable crop could be available. With careful planning, a portion of the available acreage could be planted each year so that by the end of the third or fourth year, a few trees would be of sufficient size to cut. As trees are harvested, new seedlings could be planted in their place so that a sustainable number of trees eventually would become available each year.
Trees should be planted at a spacing that fits the equipment available for maintaining the farm. It is necessary to keep spaces between trees mowed and also to be able to access the trees for spraying insecticides when necessary. Generally a minimum spacing of 6 foot centers is required if equipment is fairly small. Wider spacing of up to 8 foot may be necessary with larger equipment. With 8 foot centers, approximately 680 trees can be grown per acre of land.
Planting of the trees is typically done by hand on smaller tracts. A mattock or tree planting spade is usually used to plant the seedlings which are about eight to ten inches tall at two years of age. Care must be taken to make certain the roots are placed straight in the ground rather than curved at the bottom of the hole. Good straight roots are necessary to provide stability as the tree grows – especially when faced with windy conditions.
The trees are not labor intensive once they become established, however they do require attention on a daily business throughout the growing season. As the trees grow, it is necessary to monitor them continually for insect infestation and for disease. They also will need to be sheared in July or August and the terminal leader will need to be tipped. The shearing and tipping will cause the trees to branch, which creates thicker foliage. It also helps to create the desired shape. Many growers will cut back up to 1/3 of the annual growth each year.
Although not likely to become a large part of our local agricultural economy, small-scale tree farms could be a good fit to many operations as a way to diversify income. Diverting a few acres to such an enterprise might work well in marginal areas that do not fit with typical cropping or livestock operations.
My fascination with Christmas trees has led to an interest in Christmas tree farming. It is not something that you typically see in the Texas Panhandle, but there are tree farms even in this part of the world. Large-scale farms in our area are unlikely because of the necessary expense of irrigating the trees and the low-density population base within a short distance. The trees would need to be transported to large population centers for sale. We have a decided economic disadvantage to areas of the country with higher levels of precipitation.
I do believe that small-scale tree farms geared to individuals who want the experience of cutting their own tree could be profitable. They would need to be located within a short driving distance of the larger cities in the area. It also would be desirable to enhance the experience by providing hay rides or special events during the tree cutting season prior to Christmas.
Many species of pine that make beautiful Christmas trees grow well in our area. Both Afghan and Austrian pines can be sheared and tipped to provide the classic shape most desired by those who prefer a fresh-cut tree. They do require significant amounts of water in order to grow fairly quickly.
When provided with sufficient water and proper soil nutrients, a 2-year old seedling can reach heights of 5 to 6 feet within a 4 to 5 year period. This means that there would be significant capital investment as well as time and labor before a sellable crop could be available. With careful planning, a portion of the available acreage could be planted each year so that by the end of the third or fourth year, a few trees would be of sufficient size to cut. As trees are harvested, new seedlings could be planted in their place so that a sustainable number of trees eventually would become available each year.
Trees should be planted at a spacing that fits the equipment available for maintaining the farm. It is necessary to keep spaces between trees mowed and also to be able to access the trees for spraying insecticides when necessary. Generally a minimum spacing of 6 foot centers is required if equipment is fairly small. Wider spacing of up to 8 foot may be necessary with larger equipment. With 8 foot centers, approximately 680 trees can be grown per acre of land.
Planting of the trees is typically done by hand on smaller tracts. A mattock or tree planting spade is usually used to plant the seedlings which are about eight to ten inches tall at two years of age. Care must be taken to make certain the roots are placed straight in the ground rather than curved at the bottom of the hole. Good straight roots are necessary to provide stability as the tree grows – especially when faced with windy conditions.
The trees are not labor intensive once they become established, however they do require attention on a daily business throughout the growing season. As the trees grow, it is necessary to monitor them continually for insect infestation and for disease. They also will need to be sheared in July or August and the terminal leader will need to be tipped. The shearing and tipping will cause the trees to branch, which creates thicker foliage. It also helps to create the desired shape. Many growers will cut back up to 1/3 of the annual growth each year.
Although not likely to become a large part of our local agricultural economy, small-scale tree farms could be a good fit to many operations as a way to diversify income. Diverting a few acres to such an enterprise might work well in marginal areas that do not fit with typical cropping or livestock operations.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
New Pecan Variety
I love trees. I've always had an affinity for Pecan trees -- I think I inherited it from my father.
New High-Yielding Pecan is Right for Many Regions
By Alfredo Flores
October 24, 2007
A new pecan called "Lakota" is now available to nurserymen, thanks to scientists in the Agricultural Research Service's (ARS) Crop Germplasm Research Unit at College Station, Texas, and a collaborator at Kansas State University (KSU). Lakota is notable for its high yield potential, the early maturity and quality of its nuts, and excellent tree strength.
At the helm of this research effort were geneticist Tommy Thompson and horticulturalist L.J. Grauke, who conduct the ARS national pecan breeding program. Working with them was William Reid, a horticulturist at KSU at Chetopa.
Lakota kernels are cream to golden in color, and...(complete article here).
I would like to try a few of these. I think I will try and find a nursery and order a few.
New High-Yielding Pecan is Right for Many Regions
By Alfredo Flores
October 24, 2007
A new pecan called "Lakota" is now available to nurserymen, thanks to scientists in the Agricultural Research Service's (ARS) Crop Germplasm Research Unit at College Station, Texas, and a collaborator at Kansas State University (KSU). Lakota is notable for its high yield potential, the early maturity and quality of its nuts, and excellent tree strength.
At the helm of this research effort were geneticist Tommy Thompson and horticulturalist L.J. Grauke, who conduct the ARS national pecan breeding program. Working with them was William Reid, a horticulturist at KSU at Chetopa.
Lakota kernels are cream to golden in color, and...(complete article here).
I would like to try a few of these. I think I will try and find a nursery and order a few.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Tree Research for Urban Environments
I have always been a big proponent of planting trees. Growing up in the Texas Panhandle you learn to appreciate a tree. We have planted trees at every house where we have lived. I have planted over 60 trees at our current home.
Wanted: Trees for Urban Landscapes
By Ann Perry
October 11, 2007
Imagine this "wanted" ad: Horticulturalists in search of small- to medium-sized, pest-resistant, low-maintenance trees that thrive in the face of environmental extremes. Must be able to tolerate foot traffic, storms, drought, car exhaust, insects and dogs. Good looks—springtime blossoms, shapely crowns, brilliant fall foliage—a plus.
Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientist John Hammond set out to make a lifelong match: trees that can survive years of service shading city sidewalks or traffic median strips. Hammond, who heads the ARS Floral and Nursery Plants Research Unit in Beltsville, Md., is in charge of the "Power Trees Project."
For four years, Hammond has worked with federal, state and local partners to find trees that can keep their good looks and hold their own against urban stresses. Pick the...(complete article here).
Trees help control wind and water erosion. They provide habitat for wildlife. And they are visually attractive. If you are interested in inexpensive trees for planting, visit the National Arbor Day Foundation website. You can receive 10 free trees just for joining.
Wanted: Trees for Urban Landscapes
By Ann Perry
October 11, 2007
Imagine this "wanted" ad: Horticulturalists in search of small- to medium-sized, pest-resistant, low-maintenance trees that thrive in the face of environmental extremes. Must be able to tolerate foot traffic, storms, drought, car exhaust, insects and dogs. Good looks—springtime blossoms, shapely crowns, brilliant fall foliage—a plus.
Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientist John Hammond set out to make a lifelong match: trees that can survive years of service shading city sidewalks or traffic median strips. Hammond, who heads the ARS Floral and Nursery Plants Research Unit in Beltsville, Md., is in charge of the "Power Trees Project."
For four years, Hammond has worked with federal, state and local partners to find trees that can keep their good looks and hold their own against urban stresses. Pick the...(complete article here).
Trees help control wind and water erosion. They provide habitat for wildlife. And they are visually attractive. If you are interested in inexpensive trees for planting, visit the National Arbor Day Foundation website. You can receive 10 free trees just for joining.
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