permaculture

[Lawrence London <lfljvenaura@gmail.com>]

http://www.faculty.virginia.edu/honeylocust-agroforestry/agroforestry/

Honeylocust Agroforestry

Honeylocust Agroforestry Scenario

While honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos L.) has several potential uses in
agroforestry, the most promising is as a pasture fodder tree. Honeylocust
produce pods which can provide animal feed during autumn and winter when
pasture grass production declines.  Livestock may harvest the pods directly
from under the trees, minimizing harvesting and processing costs.  Using
tree protectors and/or electric fences, honeylocust orchards can be
established in operating pastures and hayfields, permitting cash flows from
livestock sales to continue while the trees mature.  Pods have a
nutritional value between oats and barley, depending on the cultivar,
growing conditions, and location.  Because sheep can digest the honeylocust
seed and require less expensive tree protection, they offer a better fit
with silvopastoral honeylocust than cattle or hogs.  Economic evaluations
of silvopastoral honeylocust indicate internal rates of return of 9% to
25%, depending on a variety of cost and production assumptions.  Although
not easily quantified, additional benefits include reduction of water
runoff and topsoil erosion, shade for livestock, a productive pollen and
nectar source for bees, a more diversified and aesthetically pleasing
pasture environment, and timber upon project termination.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Andy Wilson
Springtree Agroforestry Project
268 Springtree Lane
Scottsville, VA 24590 USA
434-286-3466 Fax: 434-971-8232