Abstract
Agroforestry systems have the potential to provide year-long income opportunities via the integrated forage or crop, timber, and livestock. Legumes are an attractive alternative option during the growing season when more traditional forages may not be as productive. The objective of this study was to test the establishment of arrowleaf and white clover grown under varying pine tree alley widths. In 2011, existing forage was removed in 15-yr old loblolly pine tree row alleys of different widths (3.7, 4.9, 7.3, and 9.8 m), including an open area. Arrowleaf, as an annual, was replanted in 2012. Seedlings were counted twice/year, while dry matter was measured three times/year. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) was measured in all alley widths to compare light penetration through the canopy. Hot and dry conditions occurred throughout 2012, affecting results. In 2012 and 2013, the greatest PAR for most treatments was observed in June. Seedling counts for all treatments were greatest immediately after establishment, and gradually declined throughout the course of the study. Dry matter yields increased throughout the growing season, and were greatest in arrowleaf clover in the open area on all measurement dates; however, increased weed pressure and repeated flooding affected yields. This study demonstrated that clover establishment in shady wooded areas is possible, but only under suitable environmental conditions.
Highlights
Arkansas has a thriving timber industry [1] [2], with forests covering nearly 56% (77,130 km2) of land area
Dry matter yields increased throughout the growing season, and were greatest in arrowleaf clover in the open area on all measurement dates; increased weed pressure and repeated flooding affected yields
The objective of this study was to test establishment success of an annual [arrowleaf clover (Trifolium vesiculosum Savi)], and a perennial legume [white clover] through dry matter (DM) production when grown under loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) trees with varying alley widths and resultant differences in light penetration through the tree canopy
Summary
Arkansas has a thriving timber industry [1] [2], with forests covering nearly 56% (77,130 km2) of land area. Arkansas has substantial livestock production, comprised of mainly poultry (Gallus gallus domesticus [L.] and Meleagris gallopavo [L.]) and cow (Bos taurus)-calf production, primarily located in Northwest Arkansas [3]. Unlike the Mississippi River alluvial floodplain region in eastern Arkansas where row crop agriculture dominates [4], landowners and producers in Northwest Arkansas get their farm income from various products based on diversified land use. Farms in Northwest Arkansas average 72 ha and cow herds average 69 AU or 0.96 AU ha−1 [5]. Many of the cow-calf farms are planted with tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum [Schreb.] S.J. Darbyshire) and bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon [L.] Pers.), which are not always ideal for growing under trees due to shading (bermudagrass) or antiquality components (tall fescue) [6] [9] [10] [11]. Possible solutions include planting a legume such as white clover (Trifolium repens [L.]), which is high in nutritive value [15], but susceptible to heat and drought stress conditions typical in the mid-south [16]
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