Extent of vegetation-free zone necessary for silvopasture establishment of eastern black walnut seedlings in tall fescue

Abstract

Silvopasture—the integration of trees, forage, and livestock can be established by planting trees in existing pastures. Successful tree establishment and acceptable tree growth in existing tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh.] pastures requires a vegetation-free zone near the tree base. This study was conducted to determine how large a vegetation-free zone was necessary for the establishment of black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) in tall fescue pastures. Half-sib black walnut seeds were planted in seven different-sized vegetation-free zones [0.0 (control), 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, 1.2, 1.5, and 1.8 m radii] that were created and maintained by applying glyphosate. The study included two consecutive planting years at two locations, one in central Missouri and another in north-central Missouri. The central Missouri site was underlain with well drained, deep soil while the other site was underlain with a poorly drained soil with a defined argillic horizon. Tree height growth was greatest in 0.9-m or larger vegetation-free zones. Diameter growth was greatest in 1.2-m vegetation-free zones and larger. The results suggest that a minimum of a 1.2-m vegetation-free zone in tall fescue pastures should be used to maximize black walnut height and diameter growth in the critical first years of tree establishment.