Inside Agroforestry | Summer / Fall 2003

SARE



Since it was funded in 1988, the USDA's Sustainable Agriculture Research and 
Education (SARE) program of USDA Cooperative State Research, Education, and 
Extension Service (CSREES) has sponsored thousands of projects to explore and 
apply economically profitable, environmentally sound, and socially supporting 
farming systems. Beginning in 1999, NAC and US Forest Service Cooperative 
Forestry began partnering with SARE to provide specific agroforestry funding 
within the SARE Producer Grant Program. These targeted funds allow the four SARE 
regional offices to solicit and fund proposals for agroforestry demonstration 
projects. This issue of Inside Agroforestry introduces you to SARE and gives you 
some ideas that might work for landowners in your area.



Agroforestry: Part of a sustainable future for agriculture


People are motivated to move to a more sustainable agriculture for a variety of 
reasons. A survey by The New Farm magazine indicates that the greatest single 
motivating factor for a landowner to implement sustainable agricultural 
practices is cutting production costs, since inputs into sustainable 
agricultural systems are often lower than inputs into conventional systems. The 
second greatest motivating factor is concern for family health. Other factors 
include, concern about livestock health, a strong land stewardship ethic, a 
desire for independence, and quality of life issues. Peer pressure may also play 
a significant role in landownerÕs decisions to implement certain practices or 
discontinue others. 					

Sustainable agriculture is a growing movement that has emerged during the past 
two decades. This movement continues to garner increasing support and acceptance 
within mainstream agriculture. Not only does sustainable agriculture address 
many environmental and social concerns, but it offers innovative and 
economically viable opportunities for growers, laborers, consumers, policy 
makers, and many others in the entire food system.

Agroforestry helps to further the growth of sustainable agriculture by assisting 
an agricultural production and distribution system to optimize the management 
and use of on-farm resources. While reducing the use of non-renewable resources 
and purchased production inputs, agroforestry assists minimizing adverse impacts 
on health, safety, wildlife, water quality, and the environment. Furthermore, 
agroforestry helps supply an added income and it also promotes family farms and 
farm communities.

Innovative and sustainable practices continue to come from the sustainable 
agriculture community. While university research, better commodity programs, and 
other institutional measure are vital to underpin these efforts, the key to the 
transformation to an environmentally conscious agriculture is environmentally 
conscious landowners.



NAC DirectorÕs Corner
A commentary on the status of agroforestry by NAC Director, Dr. Greg Ruark

Why SARE?


Agroforestry has long been recognized as a sustainable approach to agriculture 
in tropical and developing countries and in the past decade it has been gaining 
in acceptance in our country. However, farmers and ranchers often need to see 
how a practice works on land that is similar to theirs and with a neighbor who 
shares many of the same social and economic considerations. Five years ago NAC 
was looking for a better way to establish agroforestry demonstrations projects 
across the United States and to insure that they were selected on the basis of 
merit. 
 
In 1999, the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program 
housed in the USDA Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service 
(CSREES) became our partner. One of SARE's grant programs promotes on-farm 
research trials and demonstrations. This allows new ideas that originate with 
landowners and natural resource professionals to be tried, evaluated, and shared 
with others. An added benefit is that in addition to a technical evaluation of a 
practice, it is better understood how and if a new practice can fit into 
on-going farm operations. For the past five years, NAC (through the US Forest 
Service Cooperative Forestry Program) and SARE have partnered 1:1 to provide 
$100,000 annually to support Farmer Producer Grants for 63 agroforestry 
demonstrations in 27 states. These grants are peer reviewed and selected by a 
panel of farmers and other experts. This issue of Inside Agroforestry is devoted 
to sharing our partnership experience with the SARE Program.



NAC and you: Completing the technology transfer cycle


Technology transfer assists in translating research into on-the-ground usage of 
technology. With regard to agroforestry, this means that the USDA National 
Agroforestry Center and you, a resource professional, are the "in-between" steps. 

We believe that one of our jobs is to make your job easier. The agroforesters on 
staff regularly attend meetings and conferences to keep up-to-date on the latest 
agroforestry news and technologies. We strive to make this knowledge available 
to you and provide you with tools to use in educating landowners. 

Please visit our web site, www.unl.edu/nac, and let us know how we are doing. 
Are we addressing the issues that are important to you? Send comments to 
kstuhr@fs.fed.us.

Below are some of the products that are available to you, free of charge:

	* Working Trees brochures and displays
	* Quarterly newsletter, Inside Agroforestry
	* Technical note series, Agroforestry Notes
	* Videos and slide shows (loan copies)

Take advantage of NACÕs products and take part in completing the agroforestry 
technology transfer cycle. Together we can make our world more sustainable.



SARE grants: A brief overview


On-farm research trials involving producer collaboration with agricultural 
resource professionals have been a component of many SARE-funded projects since 
the program's inception. Recognizing that producer interest was growing, SARE's 
North Central Region began directly funding innovative projects from farmers and 
ranchers in 1992. By 1995, each SARE regional administrative council had picked 
up the idea, offering grants that typically run between $1,000 and $10,000. 
Producer grants are available annually, with application deadlines varying by 
region (see map above). 

Farmers, ranchers, or tribes can propose projects that examine alternative 
sustainable crop and livestock systems and marketing methods. A portion of the 
Producer Grant funds target the establishment of agroforestry practices or 
exploring novel ways of integrating trees and shrubs into agricultural systems.

In three SARE regions variations of the Producer Grants have been added that are 
directed at agricultural and natural resource professionals. These grants, 
Partnership Grants (Northeast), On-Farm Research Grants (Southern) and 
Agricultural Professional & Producer Grants (Western), are coordinated and led 
by agriculture professionals in close cooperation with an agriculture producer. 

According to Ken Schneider, North Central region SARE Producer Grant Program 
Coordinator, "outreach is a part of the grant agreement. We hope that other 
producers can benefit from each project and can ultimately help them become more 
sustainable. Past projects ultimately serve as a demonstration site, a model for 
other producers to get ideas."



SARE project funding


Producer Grants - This is where NAC's funding is applied. Producers apply for 
funding of on-farm research or demonstration projects that typically run between 
$500 and $5,000. Although producers must submit the proposal, natural resource 
professionals may assist.

Research & Education Grants - Awarded since 1988, these grants fund projects - 
generally ranging from $30,000 to $200,000 - led by universities or nonprofit 
organizations in an interdisciplinary approach.

Professional Development Program Grants - First funded in 1994, these grants 
sponsor professional development in sustainable agriculture concepts and 
practices, using workshops, tours and meetings for the Cooperative Extension 
Service, the Natural Resource Conservation Service, and other agricultural 
professionals. 

If you are interested in learning more or applying for a SARE grant, visit 
SARE's web site at www.sare.org.



North Central Region (www.sare.org/ncrsare/)


Fiscal Year 1999

	* Iowa. Oak Savanna restoration - diversity in a rotational grazing system
	* Iowa. Crop bearing windbreak/shelterbelt project
	* Minnesota. Growing various species of Angelica as a forest crop in the Midwest
	* Missouri. Brambles and Sassafras agroforestry project
	* Missouri. "Scoto Sand" agroforestry demonstration
	* South Dakota. Improve grazing profits by marketing cedar

Fiscal Year 2000

	* Michigan. Building a thermal blast peeler to prepare chestnut for on-farm, value-added processing
	* Minnesota. Evaluation of Christmas tree varieties for northern Minnesota
	* Missouri. Growing medicinal mushrooms on hardwood stumps and tops
	* Missouri. Strategically thinning a pecan orchard and use of the by-product for sustainable management
	* Ohio. Best cultivation practices for at-risk medicinal herbs
	* Ohio. Increasing production in native stands of Paw Paws
	* South Dakota. Kiyaska timber salvage and restoration project

Fiscal Year 2001

	* Missouri. Increasing farm production by converting fenceline brush to agroforestry
	* Missouri. Maximize returns on marginal ground using silvopastoral management practices with 			Chestnut trees, rare breed sheep, and guard llamas
	* Iowa. Potential markets for the prairie's edge sustainable woods cooperative
	* Minnesota. Marketing sustainable wood products
	* Ohio. Using animals to manage pawpaw patches
	* Nebraska. The establishment of nut and timber species with varying cultural methods into crop acres (conversion) production of a viable economy with less chemical inputs

Fiscal Year 2002

	* Ohio. Agroforestry practices of ginseng and goldenseal in natural stand of hardwood forest trees
	* Ohio. Research and development of a small farm maple syrup operation in Jefferson Township, Montgomery County, Ohio
	* Kansas. Using agroforestry to winter cattle
	* Minnesota. Promoting healthy maple forests
	* Minnesota. Utilizing water conservation and infiltration for Black Walnut production

Fiscal Year 2003

	* Minnesota. Developing a Saskatoon market in the Upper Midwest
	* Missouri. Agroforestry application of non-timber forest species - nursery growers cooperative
	* South Dakota. Growing native fruits of the North Central region



Western Region (http://wsare.usu.edu/)


Fiscal Year 1999

	* Guam. Evaluation and implementation of nitrogen-fixing species in hedgerow intercropping

Fiscal Year 2001

	* Northern Marianas. Luta windbreak/agroforestry project
	* Washington. Tilth-agroforestry niche demonstration project

Fiscal Year 2002

	* Colorado. Propagation of Colorado native plants
	* Washington. South Whidbey-Tilth forest restoration for sustainable wildcraft production
	* Alaska. Propagation of Alaskan native plants for landscape and restoration use
	* Native American agroforestry studies initiative

Fiscal Year 2003

	* Hawaii. Grow your own sustainable barn
	* Idaho. Ovine browsing for brush control of forested environments
	* Washington. Riparian buffers: function, management, and economic implications for agriculture



Northeast Region (www.uvm.edu/~nesare/index.html)

Fiscal Year 1999

	* Maryland. Ginseng dead-heading: determining the effects of removing seed-producing flowers from woods-grown ginseng
	* New York. Propagation of superior, straight-growing Black Locust through agroforestry
	* New York. Creating a demonstration agroforestry field
	* West Virginia. Ginseng grown under Paw Paw trees making the farm profitable using agroforestry
	* West Virginia. Integrated forest farming: medicinal herb cultivation, mushroom production, and forest restoration
	* West Virginia. Making the farm profitable using agroforestry

Fiscal Year 2000

	* Maine. Improving financial returns in an orchardÕs life through alley cropping
	* Massachusetts. Multi-purpose windbreaks for protection of vegetable crops and production of fruit 			and/or nut crops
	* New York. Using straight-growing Black Locust in on-farm agroforestry production
	* West Virginia. American chestnut field trials

Fiscal Year 2001

	* New York. Enhancing meat goat production through controlled woodland browsing

Fiscal Year 2002

	* Connecticut. Increasing small farm profits with American Chestnut production and silvopasture
	* Maine. Silvopasture
	* Maine. Comparing the input costs and economic returns of a planted windbreak in central Maine
	* New York. Growing gourmet mushrooms on woodland wastes
	* Vermont. pH and calcium requirement in woods-grown organic goldenseal (Hydrastis Scanadensis)

Fiscal Year 2003

	* Maine. Broadcast planting techniques for large ginseng acreage
	* New Hampshire. Reclaiming pastureland for diversified fruit/maple production.
	* Massachusetts. Silvopasture in the Northeast
	* Pennsylvania. Growing native ginseng for conservation and profit


Southern Region (www.griffin.peachnet.edu/sare/)

Fiscal Year 1999

	* North Carolina. Use of low-value hardwoods for shiitake mushroom production
	* North Carolina. Oriental persimmons and paw paw: two sustainable crops for the south
	* Puerto Rico. Demonstrating the benefits of agroforestry practices on family farms

Fiscal Year 2000

	* Georgia. Cover crops for Christmas Trees and other orchard crops
	* Kentucky. Marketing timber after adding value through the use of one-person sawmills and solar kilns

Fiscal Year 2001

	* North Carolina. Ginseng production utilizing Natural Fungicides

Fiscal Year 2003

	* North Carolina. Dairy goat woodland grazing project
	* Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico shade grown coffee project
	* Florida. Performance of various forage combinations under thinned pine canopies in North Florida



Western Region: Professional Development Program Grant
Mixing trees with tropical plants offers new revenue


EditorÕs Note: Although the focus of this issue of Inside Agroforestry is on 
SARE Producer Grants, agroforestry projects have also been funded though 
Professional Development Program (PDP) Grants. A PDP grant, like the 
Agroforestry Guides described above, can substantially increase the spread of 
agroforestry information.

Integrating trees into agricultural operations, particularly in the Tropics, can 
both lower the cost of production and generate new revenue for farmers. SARE-
funded agroforestry experts in Hawaii created a series of eight guides for 
agricultural educators that explain how to grow valuable timber species, plant 
profitable niche crops in tree understories, and how to design productive and 
effective windbreaks, among other topics. 
	
In 1999, Hawaiian coffee growers earned up to $1.50 a pound; in 2001 they were 
getting just .80 cents. The guides are intended to help them and other farmers 
and ranchers find new, environmentally sound ways to improve profits. In that 
vein, the manuals detail how nitrogen-fixing trees and shrubs allow growers to 
reduce reliance on costly commercial fertilizer imported from the mainland. They 
explain growing methods for alternative crops such as ginseng and shiitake 
mushrooms, which thrive in tree stands and bring a premium in the marketplace. 
They describe how trees such as coral and monkeypod shelter coffee, tea, 
pineapple, taro, and kava from too much sun and wind. Finally, the guides 
recommend native species, such as Hawaiian koa, that yield fine timber, although 
it takes a few decades to grow to maturity. 

Agroforestry Guides for the Pacific Islands were developed by Permanent 
Agriculture Resources, an agroforestry educational organization, and are moving 
quickly through the island extension system. More than 600 have been 
distributed, with about 150 being downloaded from www.agroforestry.net every 
month. 

"Using agroforestry systems to increase the productivity and sustainability of 
tropical lands will be of increasing importance in the next century," said Bruce 
Matthews, a University of Hawaii professor. The handbooks "will be of immense 
use as reference materials to our faculty and students."

For more information go to www.sare.org/reporting/ and search for project 
EW98-004.



Western Region
Alley cropping in Guam; hedgerows benefit crops and soil nitrogen


Hedgerow intercropping is one of the recommended agroforestry farming systems 
for the Pacific islands, although very little information exists on site-
specific implementation techniques. Mari Marutani, Associate Professor of 
Horticulture for the University of Guam (UOG) teamed up with fellow UOG 
professors, two USDA NRCS Conservationists, and two producers to experiment with 
potential hedgerow species. They experimented with seed propagation methods, 
biomass and seed production evaluation, and susceptibility to and impacts on 
disease movement. The end result would be the creation of educational materials 
on plant management of nitrogen-fixing trees for hedgerow intercropping.

Hedgerows are linear plantings of trees and shrubs planted on field borders and 
across fields to protect crops from damaging winds, which in turn increase crop 
yields and in some cases crop quality. Hedgerows also create areas of stable, 
permanent vegetation which help to reduce soil erosion and contamination of 
surface runoff and groundwater. However, intense storms, increasing land 
conversion to agricultural production and fires have reduced the quantity of 
available tree and shrub seeds and seedlings. Consequently there is a great need 
to make the most out of all available seed from potential hedgerow species. 

In 2001 the evaluation of nitrogen-fixing species for hedgerow intercropping 
project began at three different sites with distinct soil regimes. The first of 
three evaluations was to develop a protocol of propagating seed of six potential 
hedgerow species. The study is completed and the UOG College of Agriculture and 
personnel from USDA-NRCS in the Pacific Basin are currently evaluating a 
publication of the results. 

The second evaluation was to compare biomass production of eight hedgerow 
species by taking monthly measurements of production from November 2000 through 
October 2001. Distinct differences were found between hedgerow species. The 
study showed that Leucaena leucocehphala cv. K636 had the highest yield in 
alkaline soils at two locations. In acidic soil, Flemingia macrophylla and 
Gliricidia sepium produced the most biomass. 

Monthly observations at the three locations also demonstrated distinct 
variations of seed production for the eight species of nitrogen-fixing trees. 
Not surprising, is the correlation between seed production and soil fertility 
and the plant's adaptability to a particular soil type. 

The fourth evaluation was to determine susceptibility of the nitrogen-fixing 
hedgerow species to insect and disease problems. Although several beetles, mealy 
bugs and stem diseases were found, none were deemed a serious problem that 
should discourage further use of hedgerow intercropping. 

Two products are being generated from this SARE-funded project. The first 
comprises the data from the comparison study of nitrogen-fixing trees under 
different soil regimes. This information was presented at an international 
conference and as fact sheet for local distribution. The second product is an 
educational video and pamphlets on managing nitrogen-fixing trees that are being 
produced for distribution through secondary schools and elsewhere through Guam 
Cooperative Extension.

For additional information about the project, refer to the Western Region SARE 
web site: www.wsare.usu.edu



North Central Region
Increasing production in native stands of pawpaw


Forest Farming can take many forms ranging from the cultivation of ginseng or 
goldenseal on the forest floor to the intentional management of native forest 
species like pawpaw in the forest understory. Native pawpaw patches grow wild in 
Ohio on pasture edges, in riparian zones, and on steep banks in southern Ohio. 

In 2000, Chris Chmiel of Integration Acres near Albany, Ohio was selected to 
receive a North Central Region SARE producer grant. Chris wanted to experiment 
with increasing pawpaw fruit production in the region by utilizing the existing 
stands of native pawpaw. Chris says, "One of the best advantages of this system 
is that it has a relatively low start up cost and has earlier harvest dates. If 
native stands are available, they may just need to be cleared and paid attention 
to." Chris has been a certified organic vegetable and fruit producer in this 
area for several years. Along with fruits and vegetables, Chris produces other 
non-timber products like shiitake and other cultivated mushrooms, ginseng, 
goldenseal, and spicebush.

As Chris began networking he discovered that a lot of the research focused on 
orchard-style fruit production which was different than what he was attempting 
to do. Eventually Chris formed a group of people who helped with his 
experiments. He joined the Pawpaw Foundation and met researchers from Kentucky 
State University. He also met a nurseryman, a GIS Specialist, and a wildlife 
student who helped with grafting, mapping, and tracking his data.

Once Chris was able to focus on executing his ideas, he selected ten trees as 
sources for bud or scion wood for grafting onto selected pawpaw rootstock from a 
nursery, orchard, or other pawpaw patches. Chris observed and kept records 
throughout the year on growth, pollination, fruit production, taste, weight, 
color, and size. Chris explains, "I've gained a lot of experience on tagging, 
collecting data and GIS mapping systems because of this grant. This has all 
helped to create a strong foundation, and as I continue to gather information 
over the next few years, I hope to include observations of soil, microclimate, 
and some other relationships that may increase fruit production."

Next came harvest. Harvesting pawpaw fruit is tricky business since shaking the 
tree bruises the fruit and won't work if you plan to sell fresh fruit to the 
public. So, Chris developed a padded pawpaw picker which made the process easier 
and minimized bruising and he's looking forward to using it during future 
harvests to make it an even better tool.

As a result of the grant Chris gained a lot of valuable information:

	* Over 40 native pawpaw patches were cleared of brush and major competition. 
	* The scattered patches have been better organized, mapped, and studied. 
	* Improved pawpaw varieties have been selected and developed through scion 
		wood grafts.
	* The patches were seeded with shade tolerant forage to compete with the 
		invasive vines and shrubs and keep them to a minimum.
	* The trees have been organically fertilized using local farm resources.
	* Chris's database, data collection, and mapping systems have been greatly 			advanced.


Chris held a workshop that attracted over 35 landowners from all over southern 
Ohio and two County Extension agents. It was promoted by local newspapers, 
radio, and TV stations. The extension agents continue to distribute the brochure 
Chris developed, Improving Native Pawpaw Patches. A volunteer videographer 
produced several promotional pieces for the pawpaw work that Chris has done and 
has turned them into a micro-documentary. Chris continues to speak to various 
groups and has been featured in several publications.

Chris' advice for others: "If you are interested in this type of pawpaw 
production, I'd say a lot depends on the density of native pawpaw stands in your 
area. Are there enough native stands to make it worthwhile to cover all the 
other costs associated with having a business? Are local landowners interested 
in utilizing edges and ÔwasteÕ areas of their farms? It may be an unconventional 
way of farming, but by utilizing resources that others might not appreciate 
eliminates the cost of land for you. But, working on other people's land 
increased my transportation costs and management duties." 

For more information, visit ChrisÕ web site at www.integrationacres.com



Northeast Region
Improving financial returns early in an orchardÕs life through alley cropping


Along with the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA), Jack 
Kertesz, part time tree and shrub grower near Unity, ME, coordinated this SARE 
grant to evaluate the benefits of managing an orchard as an alley cropping system.

Jack has an acreage but the trial took place on the MOFGA common ground fair 
site. The group planted a 1.5 acre site with five rows of apple trees on 30-foot 
center and in rows averaging 230 feet long. Sea Buckthorn, a nitrogen fixing 
plant that produces berries of commercial value, was planted between the apple 
trees. Two sea buckthorn shrubs were also planted between each apple tree in the 
rows, 10 feet from the apple trees and 10 foot between the shrubs. Finally, the 
long corridors were planted to small grains in year one and to intensively 
cropped vegetables in year two. For additional protection, Jack planted a 
filbert windbreak along two sides of the site to reduce winds and direct traffic 
flow and vantage points. The windbreak is planted on eight-foot centers along 
600 feet of the perimeter.

Jack feels that his project "will not only help farmers to diversify farm 
products but will also enable farmers to evaluate the economics of a similar 
cropping system applied elsewhere." He believes that some of the environmental, 
social, and economic benefits include:

	* Improved crop quality and quantity as a result of enhanced microclimatic 
	conditions
	* Reduced excess surface water runoff and erosion
	* Improved utilization and recycling of nutrients
	* Enhanced aesthetics of the farming operation
	* Sequestering carbon: trees are carbon ÔsinksÕ and are one viable solution 
		toward protecting our air quality.
	* Possible improved pest control as a result of the additional habitat 
		created for beneficial microorganisms
	* Enhanced food and habitat cover for wildlife.

Results will be measured by comparing the financial returns for this planting to 
orchard budgets for newly planted orchards. Establishment and maintenance costs, 
and early returns will be compared and contrasted in the alley cropped orchard 
versus the conventionally planted orchard.

For more information, look up project FNE00-328 on SAREÕs database at 
www.sare.org/reporting



Southern Region
Ginseng production utilizing natural fungicides


Ginseng can be a very profitable non-timber forest product. However, the 
harvesting of wild ginseng is regulated to prevent over harvesting. As an 
alternative, ginseng is frequently grown in beds either in the forest or under 
shade cloth. These ginseng beds are often planted as monocultures at a high 
planting density. One of the drawbacks to this approach is the increased 
incidence of fungal diseases (e.g. phytophthora cactorum - causes leaf blight 
and root rot) that can result in large plant losses. When commercial fungicides 
became available for suppressing these fungal diseases, the intensive production 
of ginseng became possible. The fungicides reduced labor costs and increased 
profits.

Robert Eidus of Eagle Feather Farm near Marshall, North Carolina is concerned 
that the ginseng grown using the commercial fungicides has changed the end 
product and is not a sustainable practice. He is also concerned about the 
long-term effects of continued use of these chemicals on the individual site and 
its surrounding area. The goal of Robert's SARE producer grant was to determine 
the efficacy of possible alternatives to the chemical fungicides. He was aware 
of prior research that showed goldenseal is able to grow in areas that 
previously produced diseased ginseng. He theorized that applying a goldenseal 
tea mixture to a ginseng bed might reduce the unwanted fungal activity. Since 
other farming practices use horsetail (Equisetum, spp.) which is extremely high 
in silca, as an anti-fungal, Robert decided to include it in the study. 

The site for the replicated study consisted of thirty beds in three rows on a 
north facing wooded slope. The site was protected by a deer fence. Each plot was 
2.5 feet by 3 feet with 3 feet by 3 feet over-spray area between the plots. Nine 
hundred ginseng rootlets were planted in the fall with 30 roots per plot 
arranged in five rows with six plants per row. The following April the leaf 
mulch was removed, a plant count taken (674 plants survived) and replants made. 
The plots were then sprayed with one of the following treatments: 1) goldenseal 
tea, 2) horsetail tea, 3) micronized compost tea, 4) Oxidate (commercial 
fungicide), or 5) water (as a control). Each application was scheduled to be 
sprayed on a weekly cycle. During the establishment period in 2001, the study 
site was in a drought.

In mid-trial, the plots were vandalized and many of the roots were stolen. 
Robert would have continued the study for seven years, the usual growing period 
prior to harvest. However, with only one year of data the results were still 
promising. The compost tea and commercial Oxidate kept the foliage alive a 
little longer than the goldenseal sprays, but were similar. The horsetail tea 
spray was only marginally more effective than the Oxidate and compost tea 
sprays. For more information, go to www.sare.org/reporting/ and search for 
project FS01-132, or visit the Eagle Feather Farm web site, 
www.ncgoldenseal.com.



1st World Congress of Agroforestry
Working Together for Sustainable Land-Use Systems 
June 27 - July 2, 2004: Orlando, Florida U.S.A.


Agroforestry attained prominence in the 1970s when the scientific community 
realized its potential in the tropics. During the 1990s, industrialized 
countries in the temperate zone began to recognize agroforestryÕs relevance to 
solve different environmental and economic problems in the agricultural sector. 
The first ever Congress will provide a global forum for agroforestry experts 
from tropical and temperate regions to compare experiences and ideas. 
Participants will plan future strategies in agroforestry research, education and 
training, and development.

For schedule, travel information, accommodations, financial assistance, 
exhibitor information, presentation abstract submission, registration, and 
Orlando area information refer to: www.conference.ifas.ufl.edu/wca/



Riparian ecosystems and buffers: Multi-scale structure, function, and management
American Water Resources Association
Summer Specialty Conference
June 28-30, 2004
The Resort at Squaw Creek, Olympic Valley, CA

A refereed proceedings will be published and distributed at the conference. We 
invite presentations (both oral and poster) on a wide range of subjects that tie 
riparian areas and buffers to water resource issues. The breadth and 
interdisciplinary nature of riparian areas and buffer technology will encompass 
presentations in these areas: 
	
	* Hydrological, geophysical/chemical, biological processes that control and 
influence riparian ecosystem and buffers development and dynamics
	* Riparian and buffer functions related to both water and habitat
	* Methods to assess, evaluate and predict status of riparian and buffer 
processes and functions
	* Design approaches to improve or enhance desired functions of riparian 
systems and buffers
	* Economic and social aspects of riparian management 
	* Case studies of riparian restoration and management

Call for Papers in November, 2003. Papers due January 30, 2004. For more 
information, go to www.awra.org