An effective agroforestry technique, alley cropping works by growing crops in the alleys between strips of trees or shrubs. The result is better erosion control, improved crop production, supplemental income, and more habitat and travel corridors for wildlife.
Located just west of Lied Lodge and Conference Center, the Agroforestry Field demonstrates some of the most effective conservation practices available.
This attractive, natural setting is home to terraces and buffer strips; alley cropping demonstrations; the planting of switch grass and alfalfa alternating with standard row crops; an infiltration basin; a living snow fence; and woody crops like hazelnuts and chestnuts, small fruit crops, Christmas trees, and small decorative and ornamental crops like pussy willow.
All these practices help reduce water and wind erosion, improve crop production, provide supplemental income, and create better wildlife habitat and corridors. The Agroforestry Field is a collaborative effort of the Arbor Day Foundation, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the U.S.D.A. National Agroforestry Center.
Conservation Demonstrations
