permaculture

[Steve Diver <steved@ncatark.uark.edu>]

FranksFarm@aol.com wrote:

> I planted over 500 of pin oak, persimmon, and cypress in a long narrow strip
> varying distances from the creek as it winds considerably though gently on 
> my
> property. However on the extreme south western boundary there is a 90 degree
> bend which I now believe is the reason my farm in particular is susceptible
> to damage from floods. Stuff on my farm comes from miles up that creek!
>
> Anyway most of the trees did not survive, as they were choked about by 
> weeds,
> and other vegetation. I signed up for a Conservation buffer zone, but later
> found out some of the restrictions don't make sense. For example I was not
> permitted to mow the supposed areas that I was to keep in grass. The trees
> were planted in a tilled up swath within this area so eventually that we
> would shade the fence lines provide a picturesque alley for the farm road.
> Forestry wanted those trees protected from weeds etc. Conservation did not
> permit same! Go figure!

Use a geotextile weed barrier.  Super low-maintenance and
super effective for controlling vegetation and weeds around
trees.  In horticulture, we talk about the first three years as
survival period and first five years as establishment period.
During this time, control vegetation in a 6-10 foot diameter
around each tree.   Mowing is not a control method.

Sounds like you have the right ideas on rotational grazing.

Plenty of resource exist to support grazing systems, but you
might want to have a grazing specialist stop by for some on-site
observations and ideas.

Woodlot management and specialty forest products (ginseng,
goldenseal, etc) in the understory sound like your other major
opportunity.

Best,
Steve Diver