Abstract

Field trials in central Alabama demonstrated that beaver (Castor canadensis) ponds could be economically managed for high yields of Japanese millet (Echinochloa crusgalli var. frumentacea. The methods used over a 3-year period, beginning in 1958, for 30 field trials consisted of: (1) breaking beaver dams late in spring or early summer, sowing Japanese millet, and maintaining drainage until mil- let matured, by repeated breaking if needed; and (2) breaking beaver dams, using log drains to maintain drainage, sowing Japanese millet, and removing drains after millet matured. Log drains proved to be the more economical method, $4.15 per acre. Yields of Japanese millet seed were 6 to 10 times those of the native plants of value for duck food that became established in drained beaver ponds. Landowners had no difficulty in leasing duck-shooting rights on the managed beaver ponds. The low cost per acre of establishing duck food plants indicates that this type of development is practical for beaver ponds in central Alabama.

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